President Trump recently criticized Democrats who have voiced support for Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student linked to pro-Hamas protests, warning that backing him could further damage the party’s image. Speaking on The Ingraham Angle, Trump suggested that supporting Khalil, who allegedly distributed pro-Hamas materials, is “better” than aligning with what he described as other extreme elements of the Democratic agenda.
During the interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump argued that Democrats had suffered significant losses in the 2024 elections because of their positions on issues such as transgender rights, which he believes alienated voters. He added that the Democrats now face backlash for potentially backing individuals who support harmful ideologies, such as those opposed to Israel’s existence.
“They’re backing people who hate Israel and want to destroy it. People who support murderers and criminals,” Trump stated, referring to the ongoing debate over his administration’s efforts to target foreign nationals involved with terrorist organizations like Hamas.
Khalil, a 30-year-old permanent U.S. resident, is currently in detention in Louisiana while awaiting possible deportation. He was arrested after being accused of distributing pro-Hamas flyers during a protest at Columbia last year. His legal team has argued that his arrest was unlawful, and a federal judge recently blocked his deportation while the case is reviewed. Khalil, who claims to be a “political prisoner,” is scheduled to appear in court on March 27.
Trump expressed frustration that Khalil’s case was being complicated by judicial involvement, stating, “It’s not going to be an easy one because some judge decided to side with him.”
When asked whether he was concerned that his deportation policies could target foreign nationals with conservative views, Trump dismissed the concern, stating, “No system is perfect.”
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in last week, defending the arrest and suggesting that similar deportation actions could follow. Vance argued that deportations should be based on national security concerns, and that decisions about who should remain in the U.S. should be determined by the president and Secretary of State.
“Some people might get deported because it’s not in the country’s best interest,” Vance said, confirming that further deportations of student visa holders could be anticipated .
