The Biden Official Who Doesn’t Oppose Trump’s Student Deportations

Following the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, a protest movement emerged on college campuses nationwide. The movement focused on the high death toll in Gaza and questioned the US support for Israel, although some incidents of antisemitism were reported during the demonstrations. Recently, the Trump Administration warned sixty colleges and universities of potential “enforcement actions” if they did not ensure the safety of Jewish students. Additionally, the administration revoked visas of international students involved in protests against the war. Some students, including Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University, are now in ICE custody and have been accused of supporting Hamas without evidence.

Deborah Lipstadt, a Jewish History professor at Emory and former State Department special envoy under President Joe Biden, gained fame for her legal victory against Holocaust denier David Irving. In a recent interview with the Forward, Lipstadt expressed support for some of the actions taken by the Trump Administration, particularly regarding student visas. She emphasized the need to address antisemitism seriously and the importance of upholding democratic principles.

In a conversation with Lipstadt, topics ranged from the Trump Administration’s stance on antisemitism to concerns about the crackdown on protesters and the balance between free speech and law enforcement actions. Lipstadt also discussed the complexities of navigating the current political climate and the importance of addressing antisemitism without using it as a political weapon.

The dialogue delved into various aspects of the Trump Administration’s policies, the role of universities in addressing antisemitism, and the impact of recent events on Jewish students. Lipstadt emphasized the need for a nuanced approach to evaluating actions by political figures and institutions, highlighting the importance of upholding the rule of law while addressing issues of discrimination and freedom of expression.