Former Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who was once a Democrat, said in an interview broadcast Sunday that the Democratic Party "is not an anti-Jewish party" but that it has members who say anti-Semitic things.

"The Democratic Party is not an anti-Jewish party, but there are some people in the party now, including in Congress as we've seen from Congresswoman Omar...who are saying explicitly anti-Semitic things," Lieberman, who is Jewish, said in an interview with radio host John Catsimatidis on AM 970 in New York.

Lieberman was referring to remarks from Rep. Ilhan Omar Ilhan OmarOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' Democrats scramble on COVID-19 relief amid division, Trump surprise MORE (D-Minn.) in recent weeks that were widely panned by lawmakers from both parties as involving anti-Semitic tropes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, Democrats have pushed back in recent days on President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE after he accused the Democratic Party earlier this month of being "anti-Jewish."

“His comments show the president is only interested in playing the politics of division and not in fighting anti-Semitism. Mr. President, you have redefined chutzpah," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerSenate Democrats introduce legislation to probe politicization of pandemic response Schumer interrupted during live briefing by heckler: 'Stop lying to the people' Jacobin editor: Primarying Schumer would force him to fight Trump's SCOTUS nominee MORE (D-N.Y.) said last week.

Lieberman, a centrist who ran for vice president on Al Gore Albert (Al) Arnold GoreCruz says Senate Republicans likely have votes to confirm Trump Supreme Court nominee 4 inconclusive Electoral College results that challenged our democracy Fox's Napolitano: 2000 election will look like 'child's play' compared to 2020 legal battles MORE's Democratic ticket in 2000, weighed in after Trump this week continued promoting a "Jexodus" or push for a "Jewish exodus" from the Democratic Party.

“'Jewish people are leaving the Democratic Party. We saw a lot of anti Israel policies start under the Obama Administration, and it got worsts & worse. There is anti-Semitism in the Democratic Party. They don’t care about Israel or the Jewish people,'” Trump tweeted Tuesday, quoting activist Elizabeth Pipko.

He urged Jewish voters to become Republicans again on Friday, implying that Republicans have been more supportive of Israel.

"The ‘Jexodus’ movement encourages Jewish people to leave the Democrat Party. Total disrespect! Republicans are waiting with open arms," he tweeted. "Remember Jerusalem (U.S. Embassy) and the horrible Iran Nuclear Deal!"

“Jewish people are leaving the Democratic Party. We saw a lot of anti Israel policies start under the Obama Administration, and it got worsts & worse. There is anti-Semitism in the Democratic Party. They don’t care about Israel or the Jewish people.” Elizabeth Pipko, Jexodus. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2019

The ‘Jexodus’ movement encourages Jewish people to leave the Democrat Party. Total disrespect! Republicans are waiting with open arms. Remember Jerusalem (U.S. Embassy) and the horrible Iran Nuclear Deal! @OANN @foxandfriends — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019

While doing exit polling during the 2018 midterms, CNN found that 79 percent of Jewish respondents said they voted for Democrats while 17 percent said they voted for Republicans.

Trump's comments were sparked by remarks by Omar. The freshman lawmaker sparked backlash when she equated support for Israel to allegiance with a foreign country. Her supporters said she was criticizing the Israel lobby, but opponents slammed her remark as playing into an anti-Semitic "dual loyalty" trope.