Lee Zeldin, in RNC speech, gives full-throated support for Donald Trump
Former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin speaks at the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Center in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
MILWAUKEE — Former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin, delivering a prime-time address at the Republican National Convention, praised former President Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign-policy doctrine, arguing that his re-election would make the country “safer and more secure.”
Zeldin, who was one of two Jewish House Republicans when he left office to run for governor in 2022, praised Trump’s support for Israel — noting that Trump as president moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move long advocated by Israeli American groups.
His appearance comes amid rampant speculation among Republicans that he will be tapped by Trump for a high-profile role in the White House if Trump wins the election. Zeldin and his wife sat in the VIP suite with Trump and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, the vice presidential nominee, on Tuesday night.
“It was amazing to witness history-making progress — strengthening the U.S.-Israeli relationship under President Trump,” Zeldin said from the stage of the Fiserv Forum.
Zeldin, an Army veteran from Shirley who served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued President Joe Biden is not equipped to make “crucial 3 a.m.” decisions and denounced Biden’s handling of the deadly U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“[Trump] will make America strong and respected again,” Zeldin said.
Zeldin was cheered by the New York delegation, which has an upfront section close to the convention stage.
“President Trump risked everything for us,” Zeldin said in a speech that comes days after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally.
Laura Figueroa Hernandez is the White House correspondent and previously covered New York City politics and government. She joined Newsday in 2012 after covering state and local politics for The Miami Herald.
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