In a speech disrupted by boos and jeers, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., condemned the ongoing student protests against Israel's bombardment of Gaza at Columbia University. The university campus has been engulfed in controversy as student demonstrations have gained national attention, with reports of antisemitic speech targeting Jewish students.

During his speech, Johnson called on Columbia University President Nemat "Minouche" Shafik to resign if she fails to restore order on the campus. He also expressed his intention to urge President Joe Biden to take executive action against the protesters if necessary. "If this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard," Johnson stressed.

The student protests at Columbia University began on April 17 when a tent encampment was established to protest the war in Gaza. The demonstrations received widespread attention due to allegations of antisemitic speech, prompting President Shafik to authorize the New York Police Department to clear the encampment.

Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, one of the groups involved in organizing the protests, stated that any hate speech is not coming from their protesters but rather from "inflammatory individuals who do not represent us." They maintain that their aim is to raise awareness about the conflict, not promote hatred or discrimination.

Johnson's speech took place hours after President Biden signed into law a long-awaited foreign aid bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, which had faced political gridlock in the House. Johnson's efforts to push the aid bill forward garnered praise from conservative colleagues. The bill received bipartisan cooperation and passed both the House and the Senate.

It appears that Johnson's speech at Columbia University was an attempt to solidify his conservative credentials and align himself with his hardline GOP colleagues. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., who chairs the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., were also present during the speech.

While some students continued to express their dissent through protests, Johnson called on them to return to their classes, stating, "Stop wasting your parents' money."

The confrontational atmosphere at Columbia University reflects the deep divisions surrounding the issue of Israel's actions in Gaza. The university administration faces the challenge of addressing the concerns and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students on campus.