January 21, 2025 — New York, NY
American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, congratulated President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States and expressed an eagerness to once again work with the Trump administration to strengthen Israel’s place in the world and ensure a thriving and secure future for the Jewish people.
In a moving moment during a speech following the inauguration ceremony, President Trump highlighted the plight of the hostages held in captivity by Hamas terrorists since the brutal October 7, 2023, attacks, and invited former hostages and hostage families to join him on stage. AJC is deeply grateful to the Trump administration for its role in securing the first phase of the latest hostage deal and for continuing to prioritize bringing every hostage home.
Regarding yesterday’s Executive Orders, it is not unusual for an incoming administration to revoke or review Executive Orders or National Security Memoranda issued by the previous administration. As it relates to issues impacting national security, we urge the Trump Administration to prioritize policy over politics and closely examine how certain decisions will impact our partners and allies around the world. AJC will continue to advocate for Israel’s ability to defend itself, a strong global alliance to prevent Iran from ever developing a nuclear weapon, and for policies that make the Jewish community safer at home and abroad.
AJC does have concerns about several Executive Orders issued by President Trump on his first day in office, including those that offer clemency and pardons to January 6 rioters. As we said at the time, the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was an act of sedition that brought bloodshed, mayhem, and dishonor to the “people’s house.” Those who committed crimes must be held accountable, especially leaders of extremist groups including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, which traffic in violent antisemitism. Pardoning individuals convicted of seditious conspiracy undermines the rule of law and sends a distressing signal to the law enforcement officers attacked while defending the Capitol on January 6 and their families, congressional staff, Members of Congress, and all those whose lives were put in danger that day – and to anyone who may want to commit similar acts in the future.
Among numerous Executive Orders related to immigration, AJC is particularly concerned with those that bar asylum and suspend the refugee admissions program pending a review. AJC supports the goal of stabilizing the Western Hemisphere to become more secure and more democratic, in order to address the root causes of migration. The U.S. should expand and create new legal pathways for immigration for people at particular risk of violence in countries facing acute challenges.
In addition to engaging with the second Trump Administration, AJC is continuing our bipartisan advocacy with members of the 119th Congress. As is the case with any new administration or Congress, there will continue to be a rollout of policy ideas in the weeks and months ahead and we will continue to evaluate these policies and speak out with support or concern where appropriate.
AJC is a proudly nonpartisan organization and a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. AJC neither supports nor opposes candidates for elective office.
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
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