New York City – House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik appeared on Fox News’ Faulkner Focus to discuss issues concerning pro-terrorist rioters at Columbia University and the broader problem of antisemitism in higher education. During the interview, she expressed strong opinions on the actions needed to address these issues.
Regarding the situation at Columbia, Stefanik remarked, “It is absolutely disgraceful, and it is more unfortunately what we’ve seen at our quote, unquote ‘most elite institutions.’ This is why President Trump’s action to defund places like Columbia, places like Harvard, who have refused to protect students on campus. We need to have a zero tolerance policy for antisemitism, but also for violence, riots, and destruction of property.”
Stefanik emphasized the role of university leadership in failing to protect students: “What we have seen…is that these schools are not going to save themselves. These presidents, these universities, these administrators have failed to meet their responsibility to protect the safety of students on campus.”
She further highlighted her stance on revoking taxpayer funding from universities not fulfilling their responsibilities: “These schools are not entitled to taxpayer dollars, and they’re not meeting their federal requirement to protect the civil rights of all students on campuses.”
Discussing President Trump’s decision regarding Harvard’s tax-exempt status, Stefanik stated: “The reality of Harvard is they do need that money…but they should not be entitled. It is our responsibility as members of Congress to be good stewards of US taxpayer dollars.”
On the issue of student visas related to individuals involved in violent acts on campuses, she asserted: “These are not protest terrorists. These are criminal acts…I fully support revoking those foreign visas and deporting.”
The full interview can be accessed online.
