Under Joe Biden, national security issues popped up everywhere. Now it’s on the Trump admin to fix.
And the U.S. Secretary of State just released an eyebrow-raising statement on a developing national security crisis.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Warns Pro-Hamas Immigrants: “Not Welcome”
The Trump administration is taking a firm stand against chaos on American campuses, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the charge. On Wednesday, Rubio announced that his team is actively reviewing the visa statuses of anti-Israel protesters who stormed Columbia University’s Butler Library. The move is a no-nonsense approach to foreign nationals disrupting U.S. institutions, particularly as tensions flare over pro-Hamas demonstrations.
The scene at Columbia was one of defiance and disorder. Protesters, some masked, chanted slogans, climbed atop furniture, and scrawled inflammatory messages like “Columbia will burn” across the library’s walls. Videos circulating online captured the intensity, showing agitators leading crowds and clashing with security. The university, grappling with what it called “a disruption,” summoned New York police, who arrested 80 individuals on the Ivy League campus.
“Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation,” Rubio declared in an X post, emphasizing the administration’s resolve. His words resonate with a growing sentiment that foreign students abusing their visas to incite unrest should face consequences. The State Department is now combing through the records of those involved, prioritizing national security and public order.
“The Trump Administration is focused and committed to protecting our nation and our citizens,” a State Department spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “We are upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.” The spokesperson declined to elaborate further, letting Rubio’s statement stand as a clear marker of intent.
Columbia University, caught in the crosshairs of escalating protests, voiced frustration over the invasion of its library. “It is completely unacceptable that some individuals are choosing to disrupt academic activities as our students are studying and preparing for final exams,” the university stated as the protest unfolded. The administration’s decision to call in law enforcement pointed to the gravity of the situation, with police working to clear the mob and restore order.
Two Columbia security officers were injured during a chaotic crowd surge as protesters attempted to force their way into the building. The university labeled the behavior “outrageous,” noting that students trying to access the library were blocked by masked individuals hurling insults. One student’s video showed a crowd taunting him as “a f*cking Zionist,” revealing the hostility directed at those uninvolved.
Columbia’s leadership did not mince words. “Columbia strongly condemns violence on our campus, antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination, some of which we witnessed today,” Acting President Claire Shipman said Wednesday. Her statement came as the university faced mounting pressure to address recurring disruptions tied to anti-Israel activism.
The Trump administration has kept a close eye on Columbia, particularly over allegations of unchecked antisemitism. In March, the administration pulled federal funding from the Ivy League school, citing its inadequate response to protesters who have supported Hamas and occupied campus buildings. The April 2024 tent encampment, marked by violence, was a flashpoint that prompted further scrutiny. Since then, over 1,000 foreign students have had their visas revoked, often linked to anti-Israel or pro-terrorist sentiments.
Yet, amid the turmoil, the administration’s new antisemitism task force offered rare praise for Columbia’s handling of the latest incident. “The Task Force is encouraged by Acting President Shipman’s strong and resolute statement regarding the unlawful, violent and disgraceful takeover of Butler library yesterday,” the task force stated in a Thursday press release. The group commended Shipman’s leadership at a pivotal moment.
The task force expressed confidence in Columbia’s next steps. “The Task Force is confident that Columbia will take the appropriate disciplinary actions for those involved in this act,” the press release noted. The administration’s backing signals a shared commitment to restoring order and holding accountable those who cross the line into vandalism and violence.
On the other side, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), the anti-Israel group orchestrating the protest, celebrated its supporters. The group organized a “jail support” event for those arrested, thanking participants for their solidarity. “Thank you to the dozens of people who showed up and stayed overnight in love and solidarity for our arrested comrades,” CUAD posted on X Thursday, framing the protest as a stand against perceived injustice.
BREAKING: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the U.S. is currently reviewing the visa legal status of the roughly 100 anti-Israeli protesters that stormed the Butler Library at Columbia University today.
“We are reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals who… pic.twitter.com/TvLQTPCN2O
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) May 8, 2025
The clash at Columbia is part of a larger pattern of unrest that the Trump administration is determined to address. By targeting the visa statuses of foreign nationals involved in such protests, the State Department is sending a message: the United States will not tolerate those who exploit their presence to sow discord. Rubio’s actions align with the administration’s push to safeguard campuses and communities.
The incident also puts pressure on universities like Columbia to balance free expression with campus safety. Shipman’s swift condemnation and the university’s cooperation with police suggest a shift toward firmer responses, likely spurred by the administration’s watchful eye. For now, the focus remains on accountability, with both Columbia and the Trump team showing zero tolerance for chaos.
The Conservative Column will keep you updated as more information on this story unfolds.
