Johnson Calls to End Pro-Palestinian Protests, Including by Military Means

Speaker Mike Johnson called on President Biden to take action to address violent and antisemitic protests at Columbia University. Johnson suggested the possibility of deploying the National Guard to restore order on campuses. Several conservative lawmakers have also advocated for the use of troops to suppress pro-Palestinian demonstrations. While organizers of the protests have condemned violence and antisemitism, tensions have escalated, with some participants using offensive language and expressing sympathy for Hamas. Republicans see the situation as an opportunity to align themselves with support for Israel and the safety of Jews, particularly as the Israel-Gaza conflict divides progressives.