The Slatest

Trump Tells Jewish GOP Donors: “I’m a Negotiator Like You Folks”

Donald Trump gives a thumbs up during the CNBC Republican Presidential Debate at University of Colorado’s Coors Events Center on Oct. 28, 2015.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Donald Trump on Thursday told a roomful of influential Jewish Republicans that he and they have a lot in common. “Look, I’m a negotiator like you folks,” the GOP front-runner said during his remarks to the Republican Jewish Coalition forum in Washington, D.C. “Look, we’re negotiators.”

Later, the Donald returned to his awkward Jews-are-shrewd-businesspeople leitmotif. “Is there anyone in this room who doesn’t renegotiate deals?” he said. “Probably more than any room I’ve ever spoken in.”

During his rambling remarks, the real estate mogul also repeatedly conceded that he didn’t expect to win over the group. “I don’t want your money so therefore you’re probably not going to support me,” he told the room, adding: “You want to control your own politician.”

Read more of Slate’s coverage of the 2016 campaign.