House Speaker Mike Johnson faced boos and heckles during a visit to Columbia University, where he met with University President Minouche Shafik to discuss pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. Joined by several Republican House members, Johnson called on Shafik to step down if she couldn't control the protests.
During a press briefing at the Low Library, Johnson condemned the demonstrations, accusing protesters of harassing Jewish students. He stated, "We can't allow this kind of hatred and anti-Semitism on our campuses," and warned that if the protests continued unchecked, he would urge President Joe Biden to consider executive action, including the potential deployment of the National Guard.
Protesters chanted "Free Palestine" and "stop the genocide," drowning out Johnson's remarks. Republican leaders accused the demonstrators of supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, exacerbating tensions on campus.
New York Democrats criticized Johnson for politicizing the protests, with Governor Kathy Hochul noting that his presence was further dividing the university community.
The protests are part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian activism across U.S. campuses, calling on universities to sever financial ties with companies supporting Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Johnson's visit coincided with President Biden signing a $95-billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan into law, providing $26 billion in assistance to Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the aid, emphasizing bipartisan support for Israel.
