Auchincloss Warns of Ongoing Antisemitism Threat, Criticizes Trump Admin Priorities

Congressman says recent synagogue attacks 'don't surprise' him, calls for better federal security coordination ahead of major events

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:51am

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In an interview on CNN, Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) said he is not surprised by the recent attack on a synagogue in Michigan, noting the 'surge of antisemitism' globally and nationally. Auchincloss criticized the Trump administration's priorities, arguing they are spending more on immigrant detention than on combating crime, drugs, guns, corruption, and counterterrorism. The congressman also expressed concerns about the federal government's ability to respond to threats with the Department of Homeland Security currently shut down.

Why it matters

The rise in antisemitic attacks and threats to places of worship is a growing concern for many communities. Auchincloss' comments highlight the need for robust federal, state, and local coordination on security, especially ahead of major events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup that his district will be hosting.

The details

Auchincloss, who represents a district that will host World Cup matches, said there needs to be 'extremely tight and capable' collaboration on security for such a 'tier one event' that could be a target. He also criticized the Trump administration's priorities, arguing they are spending more on immigrant detention than on combating crime, drugs, guns, corruption, and counterterrorism.

  • The attack on a synagogue in Michigan occurred recently.
  • Auchincloss' district will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in less than 100 days.

The players

Rep. Jake Auchincloss

A Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts who expressed concerns about the rise in antisemitism and the federal government's ability to respond to threats.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, whose administration's priorities Auchincloss criticized as misallocating resources away from key public safety issues.

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What they’re saying

“Regrettably, this doesn't surprise me, and I don't think it surprises my constituents. We have seen the surge of antisemitism, globally and nationally, and we know that there are lone wolves or even state-sponsored actors who are trying to wreak havoc.”

— Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Congressman (CNN)

“It's never good to have security apparati across the federal government shut down. I also think it's a mistake that Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are spending more money on the detention of immigrants who have committed no crimes than they are spending on the combination of crime, drugs, guns, corruption, and counterterrorism combined. That is a misallocation of resources towards priorities.”

— Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Congressman (CNN)

What’s next

Auchincloss said he intends to help 'foment' tight and capable federal, state, and local collaboration on security ahead of the FIFA World Cup matches in his district.

The takeaway

This interview highlights the ongoing threat of antisemitism and the need for the federal government to prioritize counterterrorism, public safety, and security coordination, especially for major events, over the current administration's focus on immigrant detention.