Trump Hails NYPD’s Clearing of Columbia Encampment

Former President Donald Trump offered high praise for the New York Police Department’s handling of a pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia University, calling it “a beautiful thing to watch.” This statement was made during a rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he lauded the NYPD for swiftly clearing the encampment, particularly highlighting their efficiency in ending the protest within two hours. Trump specifically mentioned Hamilton Hall, the building occupied by the protesters, noting that it “took a beating,” but emphasizing his appreciation for the police’s rapid response.

These remarks were consistent with Trump’s earlier comments on Fox News, where he commended the NYPD, referring to them as “New York City’s finest” and praising their fearlessness in handling the situation. However, Trump also made unsubstantiated claims about the protesters, alleging that there were “paid agitators” involved.

During his Wisconsin rally, Trump used the opportunity to advocate for increased support and funding for police forces nationwide, citing the NYPD’s actions as an example of effective policing. He criticized Columbia University’s president, Minouche Shafik, accusing her of being “weak” and “afraid” for not calling on the NYPD sooner to clear the protesters, who had been camped at the university since mid-April.

The encampment at Columbia University had been a point of contention, with students protesting the school’s investment in Israel and demanding complete divestment. This was the second time the NYPD had been called in to clear the encampment, following a significant escalation of the protest when students expanded their occupation to include Hamilton Hall, a historic building on Columbia’s campus.

The NYPD’s actions resulted in the arrest of over 100 individuals, although it was not immediately clear how many of them were students. Shafik defended her decision to call in the police again, citing the “drastic escalation” of the protest and the “intolerable level” of safety risks it posed to the community.

In contrast to Trump’s stance, President Joe Biden has taken a more tempered approach, condemning the protests but also expressing sympathy for the Palestinian cause. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated this position, stating that forcibly taking over buildings, as the protesters did at Columbia, goes beyond the bounds of peaceful protest.