Trump targets pro-Palestinian activists in new executive order to combat antisemitism

Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism, which includes provisions to explore ways of deporting pro-Palestinian activists, such as students with visas, who engage in protests.

The order instructs federal agencies to identify available civil and criminal authorities to address antisemitism, specifically targeting resident aliens involved in protests who may have broken the law, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Leaders of various departments and agencies are required to present recommendations to the White House within 60 days.

Additionally, the order directs the Department of Justice to investigate incidents involving pro-Hamas graffiti and intimidation, including those occurring on college campuses. The executive order appears to be a response to the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that followed the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli war in Gaza.

Republican leaders have been calling for punitive measures against universities that allow pro-Palestinian protests. In October 2023, top Republicans threatened to cut billions of dollars in federal funding from prestigious US universities and revoke their accreditations for permitting such demonstrations.

Trump’s remarks on the issue have been controversial. Just last week, he suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to other countries, a statement that many condemned as advocating for ethnic cleansing. Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump had also promised to deport “pro-Hamas” students in the US on visas. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order asserting that the US should ensure that individuals admitted into the country do not harbor hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.