President Joe Biden on Thursday spoke from the White House on college protests happening across the nation in connection with the Israel-Hamas war.
“We’ve all seen images, and they put to the test two fundamental American principles,” Biden said from the Roosevelt Room. “The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is the rule of law. Both must be upheld.”
It marked the first time Biden directly addressed the issue since his brief comments to reporters on April 22, before the escalation of suspension and arrests at several campuses. At the time, he said he condemned both antisemitic actions and those who didn’t understand the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
Biden’s faced pressure from Republicans, who are seizing on party unity against university leaders and as staunch supporters of Israel to go after divided Democrats, to step up his response to recent events.
President Joe Biden speaks about the protests over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, May 2, 2024, in Washington.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
“We’ve often faced moments like this because we are a big, diverse, free-thinking and freedom-loving nation,” Biden said. “In moments like this, there are always those who rush in to score political points. But this isn’t a moment for politics. It’s a moment for clarity.”
“So let me be clear,” Biden said as he asserted peaceful demonstrations are protected while violent protests are not. He called out vandalism, trespassing, and forcing the cancellation of graduation or intimidating people as not constituting peaceful protest.
“It’s basically a matter of fairness,” the president said. “It’s a matter of what’s right is the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos.”
As he left the room, Biden responded to two questions shouted by the press.
When asked if the protests have made him rethink his policies in the region, Biden said “no.”
On whether the National Guard should be activated, Biden also responded “no.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.