Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell took a measured approach Thursday on how to handle the pro-Palestinian demonstrations erupting on university campuses, saying he'd wait to see if university presidents "can get control of the situation" before taking more forceful measures.
McConnell made the comments in an interview with "Face the Nation" moderator and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.
Demonstrations against U.S. support to Israel have erupted at campuses nationwide, notably at Ivy League institutions Columbia University and Yale University, which have been roiled by accusations of antisemitism. Protesters have been arrested on both of those campuses.
House Speaker Mike Johnson met with Jewish students at Columbia University on Wednesday, and although he was greeted with loud boos, he told CBS News it was time to call in the National Guard. After protests at the University of Texas at Austin, the Texas National Guard said it was "aware and prepared" to respond to protests on Wednesday that led to dozens of arrests. Gov. Greg Abbott says he believes "all of the protesters" belong in jail.
Brennan asked McConnell if he agrees with Johnson, Abbott and their allies.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell shared his perspective on the importance of free speech and addressing antisemitism on college campuses. McConnell emphasized the need for university presidents to take control of situations involving free speech and push back against antisemitism. He expressed surprise at the presence of antisemitic views among young people and called for civil conversations to address these issues.
When asked about the possibility of calling in the National Guard to intervene, McConnell reiterated his belief that university presidents should be able to manage such situations and facilitate civil discussions. He expressed interest in hearing the justifications of those expressing antisemitic views.
McConnell's counterpart in the House, Johnson, criticized Columbia University officials for not taking action to restore order on the campus amidst protests. Johnson called the situation dangerous and emphasized that it goes beyond free expression and the First Amendment.
"Our feeling is that they have not acted to restore order on the campus," Johnson said Wednesday. "This is dangerous. This is not free expression. This is not First Amendment. They are threatening, intimidating."
Watch more of the interview with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell at 10:30 a.m. ET Sunday on "Face the Nation."
