The Trump administration is fighting for the American people in the courts. The results may surprise everyone.
Because a Clinton official has dropped this major confession about the Trump admin live on air on MSNBC.
Revoking Green Cards of Pro-Hamas Protesters Stands Strong in Court
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a firm stand against pro-Hamas agitators in the United States, revoking green cards and visas of individuals tied to these demonstrations. On Friday, Harry Litman, a former Justice Department official from the Clinton era, weighed in, suggesting that Rubio’s tough policy is likely to hold up under judicial scrutiny. This comes as a win for an administration unafraid to prioritize national security over political correctness.
The case of Mahmoud Khalil, a reported ringleader of pro-Hamas protests at Columbia University, has grabbed attention. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) swooped in and detained Khalil after Rubio stripped him of his green card. Litman, speaking on MSNBC with host Jose Diaz-Balart, explained that the courts are unlikely to challenge Rubio’s call. “Khalil has a green card, so did the student, excuse me, picked up this morning,” Litman said. “There’s a regulation, Jose, passed in the height of the Cold War that says if the secretary of state makes a finding that someone is — there are two different things going on here, aiding terrorists, that’s what they say the latest student picked up did, or somehow a risk to national security, they can have their visa revoked.”
This isn’t just about one individual—it’s a signal of intent. Rubio’s policy targets those who, in the administration’s view, cross the line from free speech into supporting terrorism. Litman noted that the legal backbone for this move dates back decades, giving the secretary of state wide latitude to act. “And there’s a lot of law that says they’re not going to second guess or they may not second guess Rubio’s judgment about that fact, are they a risk to national security?” Litman added. For an administration committed to protecting America, this is a tool worth wielding.
Critics, predictably, are crying foul, pointing to First Amendment concerns. Litman acknowledged the tension: “So in the latest case, there’s going to be a frontal attack on the actual regulation because it is very clear that what’s happened here is based only on First Amendment activity. Khalil was one of the organizers of the demonstration and the person picked up this morning wrote an op-ed.” Yet, Rubio’s defenders argue that organizing protests or writing pieces in support of a designated terrorist group like Hamas isn’t just speech—it’s a step too far. The administration sees it as a clear threat, and Rubio’s not backing down.
The unrest fueling these decisions traces back to the horrific October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that left over 1,200 dead in Israel. Since then, pro-Hamas demonstrations have erupted across American campuses, with protesters occupying buildings, harassing Jewish students, and chanting slogans that many interpret as calls to erase Israel. Rubio, then a Florida senator, didn’t mince words on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle on October 17, 2023. “The law says if you are a supporter of a terrorist organization you shouldn’t even have a visa,” he told host Laura Ingraham. “So now, once you get that visa, if you identify yourself as a Hamas supporter, then you should have your visa canceled and you should be removed from the country.”
Now, as secretary of state, Rubio’s putting those words into action. Over 300 student visas have been revoked, with Khalil and another student, Rumeysa Ozturk, spotlighted in ongoing federal court battles. Ozturk was detained for “activities in support of Hamas,” according to the Associated Press. For an administration laser-focused on law and order, this is a natural extension of its promise to keep America safe from foreign threats—no matter where they pop up.
Litman, who once ditched his gig at the Los Angeles Times over its alleged coziness with Trump, admitted the courts have little room to push back. “There is precedent for using the law without questioning the secretary of state. Secretary of State signs a piece of paper. I think this person is a risk to national security,” he said. This isn’t about criminal charges—it’s about immigration status, a realm where the executive branch holds serious sway. Rubio’s supporters see this as a smart, legal way to tackle a growing problem without getting bogged down in endless courtroom debates.
The administration’s stance is clear: if you’re here on America’s dime—via a visa or green card—you don’t get to cheer for groups that k*ll civilians. Litman pointed out the distinction: “Now, remember, we’re talking about immigration status. And as Rubio was saying, you know, it’s very different to revoke a visa, especially a student visa, even a green card than it is to charge someone with a crime.” For Trump’s team, this is a practical fix—why let potential risks linger when the law offers a clean solution?
Detractors argue there’s not enough evidence to label these individuals as genuine threats. Litman seemed to sympathize with that view, noting, “I think the real thing that is animating these protesters is they think from what we know, ain’t a lot to suggest that these two people are serious risk to national security.” But he quickly circled back to the law’s design: “But what the reg says is that’s a call for Rubio to make, not the courts.” In other words, the administration’s got the upper hand here, and Rubio’s judgment reigns supreme.
For the Trump administration, this is a feather in the cap—a chance to flex muscle against campus chaos and foreign influence. Rubio’s moves align with a no-nonsense approach that resonates with Americans tired of seeing protests spiral out of control. The courts might tussle over details like identity or the regulation’s constitutionality, but as Litman put it, “this core judgment by Rubio is going to be very hard to overturn.” That’s music to the ears of a White House determined to call the shots.
Beyond the legal nitty-gritty, there’s a bigger picture. Rubio’s actions send a message to the world: the U.S. won’t be a safe haven for those backing terrorism, even under the guise of academic freedom. It’s a stance that dovetails with the administration’s wider goal of putting America first, whether it’s securing borders or rooting out risks within them. Supporters see it as a refreshing break from years of waffling on tough issues.
As this plays out, expect more noise from the left, claiming Rubio’s trampling rights. But for an administration that thrives on shaking up the status quo, that’s just background chatter. With the law on its side and a secretary of state willing to act, the Trump team is betting that Americans will back a crackdown on those who cozy up to Hamas. Time—and the courts—will tell, but for now, Rubio’s holding the line, and it’s looking like a solid play.
The Conservative Column will update you on any rulings coming from the courts on the Trump administration deportation efforts.
