In the immediate aftermath of the worst anti-Semitic attack in US history, media organizations were quick to cast blame on President Trump and his fire and brimstone rhetoric. The media pointed to Trump’s bombastic and divisive statements as proof that the shooter was motivated by the president’s rhetoric, and that therefore the president is guilty of the massacre in Pittsburgh by extension.

Although there exists a deep irony to the media – who incessantly target conservatives as practically being the spawn of Satan – castigating culpability for this evil act at the feet of others who do no more vilifying than they themselves, I do believe, regardless of the media’s hypocrisy, that there is a kernel of truth here.

A foremost motive for many of the millions of Americans who voted for Donald Trump was that he was unlike other politicians and non-deferential to those in the liberal-leaning media organizations. For some, it was the singular reason they voted for him. And although a politician speaking as an average American would is indeed a breath of fresh air, it is crucial that the president understand his position and the unintended consequences of his words and actions.

American Jews on both ends of the political spectrum welcome and appreciate President Trump’s unabashed, unapologetic defense of Jews’ rights and the rights of Israel to self-determinism. It is, without question, something which cannot be taken for granted in today’s day and age. But there are instances when the presidents rhetoric is overshadowed by an apparent “dog whistle”, in which white nationalists, racists, and bigots believe Trump is signaling his approval of them.

Already during his campaign, Donald Trump retweeted messages from accounts which were openly anti-Semitic, even some that portrayed images of Nazi atrocities in a complimentary and admiring way. After becoming president, he infamously declined to censure the neo-Nazi gathering in Charlottesville, where “Jews will not replace us!” was chanted, instead choosing to state that there were “some very fine people on both sides”. And while illegal immigration is certainly a critical issue facing the nation, his near-obsession with it is seen by far-right lunatics as indicative of Trump having a deep-seated hatred for non-whites. More recently, the president has been denouncing “globalists” and “international banks”, terms which racists use as code for Jews. When a deranged mental midget of a white nationalist hears the President of the United States speak in a way that validates and reinforces his notions that Jews and other minorities are evil, he feels that he is endorsed and justified in his warped mindset. From his vantage point, the president is sanctioning – almost legalizing – his nefarious and violent intents.

Am I saying President Trump is a racist? No, of course not. The president has a Jewish son-in-law, a Jewish daughter, and Jewish grandchildren for whom he visibly displays great affection. Before his political days, Trump was known to be a defender of Jews, and was the Grand Marshal at the Israel Day Parade in 2004. My concern is not with the president himself, but rather with the people to whom he seemingly panders.

Anti-Semitism has always been existent in the United States, at times more openly than others. One of the crucial elements to keeping this undercurrent of anti-Semitism restrained is politicians and leaders who routinely condemn racists. Regrettably, it seems that President Trump is often either oblivious to this or unwilling to condemn a segment of the population of which a chunk of his base support is now comprised of.

Although I support President Trump’s remorseless attacks on individuals who may be standing in the way of his goals, success is not only determined by what you do, but how you do it. Providing racists, xenophobes, and anti-Semites with mental ammunition is no way to go about that task. It is possible to continue lobbing metaphorical bombs at true enemies of the US, but it must be done tactfully. Which is why I believe the president should tone it down a bit.