Staff Reports
The White House shared that President Joe Biden has no plans to go to those pro-Gaza protests happening at universities across the nation, despite some lawmakers, like Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), calling for him to do so. Khanna expressed on CBS that Biden needs to visit the campuses and show support, speaking out against the violence at some protests while asking for understanding for the people of Gaza. Several lawmakers from both parties, like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), have already gone to campuses during the protests.
At Monday’s press briefing, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, fielded quite a few questions about the protests. She stuck to the line that the president had been urging peaceful protest, and she criticized the vandalism and disruption that led to Columbia University canceling its 2024 commencement ceremony. She said that the actions of a small group caused a big event to be called off and negatively impacted their fellow students. She also did not answer questions about why the Washington, D.C., police reportedly resisted getting involved in protests at George Washington University.
Last week, President Biden mentioned to reporters that the protests on the campuses were not changing his views on Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
