Washington (CNN) After President Donald Trump accused Democrats of becoming an "anti-Jewish party," the White House refused Monday to tamp down his claim, insisting the party's refusal to specifically condemn a freshman lawmaker for her controversial comments amounted to an "abhorrent" display.

Speaking at her first formal briefing in more than a month, press secretary Sarah Sanders wouldn't say whether Trump believes Democrats hate Jews, which is what he reportedly told Republican donors over the weekend at his Florida estate.

But she did little to disavow the notion, which Trump himself had previewed on Friday morning when he told reporters: "The Democrats have become an anti-Israel party. They've become an anti-Jewish party, and that's too bad."

Three days later, Sanders insisted Democrats -- rather than the President -- answer for their views.

"Democrats have had a number of opportunities to condemn specific comments and have refused to do that," she said. "That's a question you should ask Democrats, what their position is, since they're unwilling to call this what it is and call it out by name and take action against members who have done things like this."

Read More