WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) — Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., is facing new pushback from Jewish communal figures after challenging Trump administration investigations into campus antisemitism and campaigning this week with Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.

Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee and a Jewish lawmaker who represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, has long been viewed by many constituents as an ally against antisemitism. His district includes one of the largest Jewish populations in the state.

That standing has come under strain after Raskin cited whistleblower reports and described federal probes of Harvard, Brown and Columbia universities as fabricated and predetermined. He has called the investigations a “sham” and announced plans to examine alleged Justice Department misconduct, including possible changes to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, CEO of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition and a synagogue leader in Raskin’s district, called Raskin’s letter on the investigations “disappointing,” pointing to intimidation faced by Jewish students on campus.

Raskin said in a statement that antisemitism on campus is real and that universities must prevent and address harassment and discrimination under federal law. He argued that unjustified government penalties do not help Jewish students and said investigators used disproven claims while ignoring Jewish students, faculty and rabbis who praised some university responses.

The controversy widened after Raskin campaigned Wednesday with El-Sayed, whose record on Israel and ties to streamer Hasan Piker have drawn sharp criticism from much of Michigan’s Jewish community. Other leading Democrats have condemned Piker this week. Raskin did not address a question about Piker.

Raskin has previously backed measures restricting certain U.S. aid to Israel, a stance that has already drawn backlash from some prominent Jewish community figures even as he has spoken out against antisemitism.