Former President Donald Trump raised concerns on Wednesday about the ongoing riots at college campuses, suggesting that they might be a deliberate distraction from the situation at the southern border.
Trump's comments came in response to the recent unrest at Columbia University, where clashes between New York Police Department officers and students supporting Palestinians escalated tensions.
In a tweet, Trump questioned whether the chaos instigated by what he referred to as 'Radical Left Lunatics' at colleges was a tactic to shift focus away from the influx of individuals, including those from prisons and mental institutions, entering the country through the southern border.
Expressing strong disapproval of the anti-Israel protests, Trump emphasized the need for swift action against antisemitism and criticized what he deemed as inadequate leadership at universities.
Reports of clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups at UCLA further fueled concerns about escalating violence on campuses. Local authorities described the situation at UCLA as 'out of control' and issued warnings about safety.
Law enforcement officers in riot gear intervened at UCLA after midnight to restore order amid ongoing confrontations between opposing groups.
Trump reiterated his call for an immediate halt to the violence, emphasizing the urgency of replacing what he characterized as ineffective leadership at educational institutions.
The incidents at Columbia University and UCLA have reignited debates about free speech, political tensions, and the need for effective conflict resolution strategies on college campuses.
