Epstein lawyer just flipped to the GOP after 67 years as a Democrat and the reason is Israel
To nobody’s surprise.
Alan Dershowitz just switched his party registration to Republican after 67 years as a Democrat, and his reason for the switch is Israel. According to Mediaite, the longtime Harvard Law professor and former Jeffrey Epstein lawyer announced his decision in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, saying he could no longer support a party he believes has become “the most anti-Israel party in U.S. history.”
It’s a dramatic shift for someone who campaigned for John F. Kennedy as a college student and has spent decades as a fixture in Democratic politics. Dershowitz didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel. He pointed to a recent Senate vote on a weapons embargo, where all but seven Democrats supported the measure, as proof that the party had abandoned its traditional support for the country.
Polls showing growing opposition to Israel among Democrats, especially younger voters, only reinforced his decision. “I will contribute money to Republican candidates, campaign for them, make speeches at Republican events, and urge pro-Israel Americans to change party affiliation or at least vote against Democrats,” he wrote. “Until something changes, I will vote Republican for representative, senator, and president.”
This isn’t the first time Dershowitz has distanced himself from the Democrats
In 2024, he left the party to register as an independent, though his latest op-ed suggests he may have still been technically registered as a Democrat until now. His move to the GOP is less about aligning with Republican policies — he’s made it clear he still disagrees with the party on abortion, immigration, healthcare, taxes, and the separation of church and state — and more about sending a message.
“I have given up on trying to change the Democratic Party,” he admitted. Instead, he’s betting he can push the Republican Party toward the center from the inside.
The reaction to Dershowitz’s announcement has been predictably mixed, with Democrats mostly celebrating his departure. According to Raw Story, former Obama national security adviser Ben Rhodes didn’t mince words on X, writing, “I can’t think of anything better for the Democratic Party than Alan Dershowitz not being a part of it.”
Dylan Williams, vice president for government affairs at the Center for International Policy, was even more blunt, stating, “Good riddance to bigoted Epstein Air frequent flier and atrocity denier Alan Dershowitz.”
Progressive commentator Zaid Jilani took a different angle, highlighting the irony of a man who spent his career criticizing the “dual loyalty” trope now openly prioritizing another country’s interests over domestic policy. “Maybe the Republicans will proudly tout the endorsement of Epstein’s lawyer,” Jilani wrote. “Who knows?”
Not all Republicans are thrilled about the new addition to their ranks, either
Conservative activist Christopher Rufo didn’t pull any punches, calling Dershowitz another example of “the Right is a dumping ground for failed celebrities and MeToo cases.” It’s a harsh assessment, but it underscores how polarizing Dershowitz has become, especially in the years since Epstein’s death in 2019. Since then, Dershowitz has been a vocal defender of Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, even lobbying for her release from prison.
“I hope the appeal will be granted. She deserves to be out,” he said last year about Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years for child sex trafficking. He’s also repeatedly attacked Epstein’s accusers, including threatening to sue a debate opponent in 2024 who called him an “old pervert” after Dershowitz admitted to receiving a massage at Epstein’s mansion.
Dershowitz’s ties to Epstein have long been a point of controversy, but his legal career has also been marked by high-profile cases and political maneuvering. He defended Donald Trump during his first impeachment in 2020, though he later endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 election and Hillary Clinton in 2008. His relationship with Trump has drawn scrutiny, especially given the former president’s own connections to Epstein.
The switch spotlights how Israel influences political alliances
Dershowitz’s decision to switch parties is a stark reminder of how deeply foreign policy, especially regarding Israel, can reshape political alliances. For decades, he was a loyal Democrat, but the party’s shifting stance on Israel proved to be a dealbreaker. Whether his move will have any real impact on the Republican Party remains to be seen, but it’s clear he’s not looking back.
“I intend to work hard to prevent the Democrats from gaining control of the House and Senate,” he wrote. That’s a mission he’s taking seriously, even if it means joining a party he’s spent most of his life opposing.
The broader implications of Dershowitz’s switch are still unfolding. For Democrats, his departure is being treated as a win, a sign that the party is shedding some of its more controversial figures. For Republicans, it’s a mixed bag, some are embracing the high-profile addition, while others are wary of the baggage that comes with him.
Either way, Dershowitz’s move is a bold statement, one that underscores just how fractured the political landscape has become. His focus on Israel above all else might resonate with some voters, but it’s also a gamble that could alienate others who see his priorities as out of step with the party’s broader base. He’s made it clear he’s going “whole hog” into Republican politics, but whether he can actually influence the party’s direction is an open question.
(Featured image: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem)
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