US Administration Angry at MDA: 'Buying European Ambulances with American Money'

A senior US administration official sharply criticized Magen David Adom after learning the organization invested millions of dollars from American Jewish donations in purchasing European-made ambulances instead of American-made ones. In an official appeal to MDA leaders, it was stated that using American donation funds to buy from European countries that 'hate Israel' is unacceptable. MDA responded that it had not received such an appeal.

A senior US administration official expressed sharp frustration toward Magen David Adom after the administration learned that millions of dollars collected from American Jewish donations were invested in purchasing European-made ambulances instead of American-made ones. In an official appeal delivered to MDA leaders, the official wrote: 'Using American donation funds to purchase ambulances from European countries that hate Israel is unacceptable.' The article notes that for the Trump administration, the 'America First' policy is not just a slogan but a principle from which trade, investment, immigration, energy, and foreign policies are derived. An Israeli official familiar with the details noted that the Americans were shocked to discover that hundreds of millions of dollars donated within the US are leaving it instead of being invested back into the American economy. It was also reported that MDA has barely bought American-made products in the last three years, mainly purchasing Mercedes ambulances manufactured in Poland. In the past, American-made Chevrolet ambulances were purchased. An MDA spokesperson responded: 'MDA is not aware of such an appeal.'