President Joe Biden faced criticism for his delayed response to the student protests at US universities and Israel’s offensive in Gaza. After a week of silence, he finally spoke out, defending the actions of the police and emphasizing the importance of maintaining order. In a televised speech from the White House, Biden declared that dissent is essential to democracy but should not lead to disorder.
Republicans seized on the protests as a political issue, with former President Donald Trump praising the New York Police for evicting pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University. Tensions escalated as protesters refused to leave camps, leading to clashes with police and calls for Biden to take action.
Biden, known for his preference for negotiation over extremism, has been reluctant to get directly involved in the issue. While condemning anti-Semitism, the White House has refrained from taking a firm stance on the protests. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the importance of distinguishing between free speech and illegal behavior.
As Republicans criticized Biden for his handling of the protests, his former campaign deputy communications director, Kate Berner, dismissed their tactics as fear-mongering. Despite pressure from the opposition, Biden remained firm in his approach to the protests and continued to focus on maintaining order and upholding democratic values.
In the midst of the controversy surrounding the student protests, Biden is scheduled to deliver a commencement address at Morehouse University in Atlanta. The issue remains a point of contention between political parties, highlighting the challenges of balancing free speech and public order in a democracy.