Internet calls out Karine Jean-Pierre for refusing to say if pro-Hamas protesters at colleges are extremists
WASHINGTON, DC: In the latest White House press briefing, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, addressed the concerning surge of antisemitic threats in the United States, following heightened tensions in the Middle East, as per Daily Mail.
However, she refrained from categorizing anti-Israel protesters as extremists, sparking a wave of online criticism.
Watch Peter Doocy make Karine Jean-Pierre SQUIRM with one very simple question:
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 30, 2023
"You guys talk about extremists—it is usually about MAGA extremists—so what about these protestors who are making Jewish students feel unsafe on college campuses? Are they extremists?"
Notice that… pic.twitter.com/XRUrXCXGIu
Karine Jean-Pierre on rising antisemitic incidents in the US
Jean-Pierre began the press briefing by highlighting the alarming increase in reported antisemitic incidents in schools and college campuses across the nation.
The Anti-Defamation League reported a more than fourfold spike in antisemitic attacks since the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, coupled with Israel's military response in Gaza. These incidents were not confined to the US, as antisemitic violence flared up at various global hotspots.
Jean-Pierre unequivocally condemned antisemitic threats, stating, "There's no place for hate in America, and we condemn any antisemitic threat or incident in the strongest terms."
She specifically mentioned the administration's concern regarding the threats at Cornell University, where antisemitic graffiti appeared on campus sidewalks. Additionally, a professor, now on leave, publicly praised the Hamas attack, a sentiment that drew widespread backlash.
To address college students directly, Jean-Pierre offered reassurance, saying, "To the students at Cornell and on campuses across the country, we're tracking these threats closely. We're thinking of you, and we're going to do everything we can to counter terrorism and antisemitism."
Karine Jean-Pierre avoids labeling anti-Israel protesters as 'extremists'
When questioned by Peter Doocy of Fox News about President Biden's stance on anti-Israel protesters, Jean-Pierre didn't directly label them as extremists. Instead, she emphasized the administration's commitment to opposing any form of hate and urged for a strong stance against antisemitism.
Doocy attempted to draw a comparison to how the White House addresses "MAGA extremists." Jean-Pierre maintained her stance, reiterating that they condemn any form of hate. When pressed further on whether President Biden viewed the protesters positively, she reiterated, "There's no place for hate in America."
President Biden has expressed unwavering support for Israel, emphasizing his longstanding relationship with the country.
The administration has also proposed increased military aid to Israel while refraining from dictating how Israel should respond to attacks, instead encouraging adherence to the "rules of war."
Internet calls out Karine Jean-Pierre for not calling pro-Hamas protesters 'extremists'
Internet users were quick to react to Jean-Pierre's avoidance of labeling pro-Hamas protesters as extremists.
One user on X questioned Jean-Pierre's reliance on notes, commenting, "Why does she always have to look down at notes to say what she says? I think this whole thing is a Truman Show."
why does she always have to look down at notes to say what she says? I think this whole thing is a truman show.
— Peter Hubert (@PeterHubert16) October 31, 2023
Another user criticized Jean-Pierre's response, saying, "She was so 'very clear' we could see right through her."
A third user remarked, "Doocy turned her into a stuttering mess," suggesting that the press secretary may have struggled to respond effectively.
Someone else questioned the situation, humorously asking, "Is this an SNL skit? What's up with her being so dramatic and not answering the question and being so broad?"
Is this an SNL slit, what’s up with her being so dramatic and not answering the question and being so broad ?
— Tommy Zukoski (@tjzukoski) October 31, 2023
Yet another user humorously suggested that Jean-Pierre might deserve a unique accolade, writing, "KJP has to win some kind of award for blathering deflection and party line bloviating."
KJP has to win some kind of award for blathering deflection and party line bloviating.
— Fill C (@73FillC) October 31, 2023