What's happened
Former President Donald Trump praises police for cracking down on pro-Palestinian student protests at US universities, urging a tougher approach to demonstrations. Trump's comments come amidst a wave of campus activism against the war in Gaza, with some accusing the protesters of antisemitism. The protests have sparked a debate over free speech and campus safety.
Why it matters
Donald Trump's vocal support for police action at pro-Palestinian campus protests highlights the growing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the US. His remarks have reignited debates over free speech, campus safety, and the role of universities in addressing political activism.
What the papers say
According to The Times of Israel, Trump praised the police for arresting pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University, calling them 'raging lunatics and Hamas sympathizers.' The New York Times reported Trump's comments urging college presidents to crack down on protests, linking them to liberal groups and criticizing President Biden's leadership. Al Jazeera highlighted Trump's comparison of the campus protests to the 2017 Charlottesville rally, with the White House rebuking his remarks.
How we got here
The recent surge in pro-Palestinian student protests across US campuses follows the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The demonstrations have led to arrests and raised concerns about antisemitism and campus safety. Trump's involvement in the debate adds a political dimension, as he seeks to capitalize on the unrest to criticize Biden's administration.
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