President Joe Biden spoke out on the ongoing protests over the conflict in Gaza at the White House, urging for dissent but against disorder.
He defended free speech while emphasizing the need for order, rejecting calls from student protesters to change his approach to the war and ending US support for Israeli military operations.
Biden remained firm in his stance, saying "no" when asked if the demonstrations would prompt him to reconsider his position.
The president faced criticism from Republicans who sought to use the unrest as a campaign issue.
President Biden has expressed opposition to deploying National Guard troops to college campuses amidst ongoing protests and clashes between students and law enforcement.
The use of military force on campuses carries a contentious history, as seen in the 1970 Kent State University shootings where four students were killed by the Ohio National Guard during protests against the Vietnam War.
Tensions have escalated in recent days as administrators attempt to clear encampments by force, resulting in widespread attention.
Biden urged against politicizing the situation and emphasized the importance of the right to protest peacefully, as well as the right to safety and education for students.
The White House continues to address antisemitism, with Vice President Kamala Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, meeting with Jewish students and Hillel leaders to discuss hate speech and threats.
President Biden is scheduled to visit a college campus on May 19 and has previously condemned antisemitic protests.
The White House has been monitoring the situation closely and has stated that some demonstrations have crossed the line from free speech to unlawful behavior.
President
Joe Biden has stated that taking over a building by force, like what occurred at Columbia University, is not peaceful.
Some Democrats, including Patrick Gaspard, president of the Center for American Progress, have criticized this stance, arguing that it's important to allow for active dissent and activism, even if it's uncomfortable.
However, Biden's team believes that his position will appeal to the broadest range of voters and is consistent with his approach during the unrest following George Floyd's murder in 2020.
In his remarks, President Biden distinguished between rioting and protesting, condemning lawlessness and calling for prosecution.
Biden, who has a history of advocating compromise and has never been known for participating in protests, expressed his opposition to protests and tie-dye shirts.
The White House also focused on combating antisemitism, with Vice President Kamala Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, meeting with Jewish students and Hillel leaders to discuss threats and hate speech.
Republicans are criticizing Democrats, including President
Joe Biden, for not addressing violent college protests, despite the administration's criticism of such actions and Biden's refusal to cut off US support for Israel.
House Speaker Mike
Johnson and other Republicans have spoken out against the protests and sparred with protesters during media appearances.
Trump, who is running for re-election, has also criticized Biden for not taking a stronger stance against the protests.
During a campaign event in Wisconsin, former President Trump criticized President Biden for not addressing "far-left agitators" terrorizing college campuses.
Trump's comments came after protests over the murder of George Floyd.
Kate Berner, a former deputy communications director for Biden's campaign, stated that Republicans had previously used similar tactics, which were rejected as fearmongering.
The White House has been reluctant to directly engage on the issue of antisemitism and college protests, with Press Secretary Jean-Pierre deflecting questions and stating that universities make their own decisions.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated that it is up to colleges and universities to decide whether to involve the police during protests.
She emphasized the importance of nonviolent protests and the protection of Americans' right to peacefully assemble within the law.
This came in response to recent arrests of protesters at UC Los Angeles and universities in New York City.