James Lindsay Alleges One-Sixth of Republicans Constitute "Anti-Jewish Group"

Cultural critic James Lindsay recently ignited discussion with a social media post claiming that approximately one-sixth of the Republican party is comprised of an "anti-Jewish group." Lindsay, who identifies as an anti-Communist, stated in his tweet, "> I have been estimating that the anti-Jewish group in the Republicans is about a sixth of them, which is apparently correct. Fascinating data." The assertion, made on December 2, 2025, implies a significant faction within the party holds antisemitic views, though the specific "fascinating data" he references was not detailed in his post.

Lindsay is known for his critiques of critical theory and "woke" ideologies, often engaging in sharp commentary on political and cultural divides. His past work has touched on the weaponization of terms like "anti-Semitism," which he has previously defined as "conspiracy-driven claims about Jews secretly controlling world events," distinguishing it from policy-level criticism of a modern state. This context suggests his current use of "anti-Jewish" may align with this specific interpretation.

While the Republican Party has officially condemned antisemitism, recent years have seen increased scrutiny of rhetoric from some individuals within its ranks. A 2024 analysis by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) indicated that 30% of Republicans surveyed held at least one antisemitic trope, a figure that, while concerning, does not directly align with Lindsay's "one-sixth" (approximately 16.7%) claim of an active "anti-Jewish group." Furthermore, a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center found that 17% of Republicans believed Jewish people have too much power in the U.S., compared to 10% of Democrats, highlighting differing perceptions across the political spectrum.

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) actively works to combat antisemitism and has consistently affirmed the party's commitment to Jewish communities and Israel. The RJC's 2024 policy statements emphasize strong support for Israel and opposition to all forms of antisemitism. However, the party has also faced criticism for instances where members have associated with figures accused of antisemitic remarks or for rhetoric perceived as dog-whistling. Lindsay's tweet adds a direct, albeit unsubstantiated, numerical claim to this ongoing conversation about antisemitism within political movements.