House Speaker Mike Johnson made a call for Columbia University’s president to resign due to the presence of hatred and antisemitism on campus. During a tense news conference, Johnson addressed the chaos and violence that needed to be addressed, calling for immediate action or resignation from President Shafik. Despite boos and interruptions from the crowd, Johnson stood firm in his message, emphasizing the need to stop the perpetration of such acts.
Johnson’s visit to Columbia University came amidst conservative criticism and threats of potential ousting by fellow GOP members. The pressure on Johnson intensified after his involvement in steering a foreign aid package through the House, including assistance to Ukraine, which faced opposition from hardline conservatives. Following the tense news conference, Johnson defended his appearance at Columbia, highlighting the need for his voice as the House Speaker to be heard in support of what is right and just.
Despite facing heckling and disruptions during his address, Johnson received support from some GOP colleagues, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas. Johnson emphasized the importance of standing against the activities at Columbia University, urging his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to speak out against such behavior. He also met with President Shafik to address the unrest on campus and demanded immediate action to restore order, failing which he planned to call President Biden to intervene.
Johnson reiterated his stance on not resigning and warned against the chaos that could ensue in the House if a vote to oust him were to take place. He aligned himself with causes and positions to appease the GOP base, stepping in to prevent a fine imposed on Rep. Thomas Massie for sharing a video that included footage of the House floor. Despite calls to remove three conservatives from the House Rules Committee following their opposition to advancing a supplemental package, Johnson resisted, emphasizing the potential long-lasting effects of such a decision.
In the face of growing threats and opposition, Johnson remains steadfast in his leadership, resisting calls for his resignation and defending his actions. His visit to Columbia University and subsequent calls for the president’s resignation were met with mixed reactions, including support from some fellow GOP members. Johnson continues to navigate the challenges and criticisms within his party, striving to maintain order and address issues at hand. This story will continue to evolve with further updates and developments.
