Hawley blasts ‘insane’ liberal attorney during Senate hearing on campus antisemitism

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., did not hold back during a Senate committee hearing on Thursday, challenging Kenneth S. Stern, attorney and director at the Bard Center for the Study of Hate, over his recent comments on NPR regarding the Trump administration’s cancellation of federal grants to Columbia University.

Hawley wasted no time in questioning Stern’s assertion that the removal of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Hamas foreign rioter, was a form of McCarthyism and made Jewish students less safe. He pointed out Khalil’s alleged ties to terrorist activity, accusations of lying on his green card application, and ongoing lawsuits for terrorizing and assaulting Jewish students.

Stern attempted to defend his previous statements, emphasizing the importance of due process and acknowledging the role of the Department of Justice in addressing complaints. However, Hawley pressed on, asking if Stern opposed investigating Columbia University and others for antisemitism, to which Stern replied that he was not opposed to doing it the right way.

The conversation escalated as Hawley questioned Stern about the Trump administration’s investigation into protecting Jewish students, highlighting Stern’s previous claims that such an investigation would weaponize antisemitism and make students less safe. Stern cited concerns about authoritarianism and the potential consequences of using the Department of Justice to target specific institutions.

Hawley then criticized Stern’s position, calling it “insane” and expressing disbelief at the idea of prioritizing the rights of a pro-Hamas rioter over the safety of Jewish students on college campuses. He emphasized the need to address antisemitism without compromising freedom and security.

The controversy surrounding Mahmoud Khalil, who is facing allegations of omitting information on his green card application and potential visa revocation, has sparked legal battles and federal funding cuts for Columbia University. The university has since announced policy changes in response to the administration’s demands.

As the debate continues over how to address antisemitism and ensure the safety of Jewish students, the clash between Hawley and Stern highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating these issues in a politically charged environment.