Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Donald Trump is “obsessed” with spewing hatred after the Republican nominee for president criticized Shapiro as “the highly overrated Jewish Governor of the Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Shapiro spoke Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention and said Trump “wants to take away our rights and our freedoms.”

Trump’s missive on social media also said Shapiro had “refused to acknowledge that I am the best friend that Israel, and the Jewish people, ever had” and that “Shapiro has done nothing for Israel.”

Asked about Trump’s statement by a reporter Thursday morning, Shapiro said “it’s clear over the last few years, Donald Trump is obsessed with me and obsessed with continuing to spew hate and division in our politics. He’s someone who has routinely peddled antisemitic tropes like this.”

Shapiro has years of experience making Trump the focus of his rhetorical attacks, first as state attorney general and now as governor.

The White House issued a statement, saying “it is antisemitic, dangerous, and hurtful to attack a fellow American by calling out their Jewish faith in a derogatory way, or perpetuating the centuries-old smear of ‘dual loyalty.’”

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – More than 150 Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team were honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Aug. 21.

Part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 56th SBCT, these Soldiers are preparing to leave their homes and loved ones for a year-long deployment to Germany. They will serve with the Joint Multinational Training Group Ukraine, aiding the 7th Army Training Command with its mission of helping Ukraine defend itself.

“This mission supports the United States enduring national interests that include security for U.S. allies and partners, respect for universal values, and a rules-based international world order that promotes peace and security,” said Col. Christopher Costello, commander of the 56th SBCT. “I am confident that we have the right people and the right training to ensure the success of this mission.”

The Soldiers and their families were praised for their dedication to duty and selfless service. Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, shared remarks during the ceremony.

Other Pennsylvania National Guard senior leaders were in attendance, including Maj. Gen. Michael Wegscheider, commander of the 28th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Deputy Adjutant General-Army.

Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine is the name given to the mission of training the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The 7th Army Training Command oversees the JMTG-U mission and is supported by numerous Army units. Since 2015, JMTG-U has trained the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2022, JMTG-U relocated to Grafenwoehr, Germany and resumed its role. Since then, the training has continued to evolve based on the needs of and in coordination with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

HHC, 56th SBCT, will provide a command-and-control element to the JMTG-U mission. The unit, part of the 28th Infantry Division, is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania, but its Soldiers come from across the commonwealth and some neighboring states.

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