Jill Biden slams pro-Gaza campus protests on ‘The View’ for 'answering violence with violence’, Internet asks 'admitting Israel is violent?’

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: The right to protest stands as a cornerstone of democracy -- a sentiment underscored by First Lady Jill Biden during her appearance on the May 29 episode of 'The View', where she condemned the “violent” pro-Palestinian campus protests.

Dr Biden was referring to the protests that erupted at UCLA, Columbia University, and the University of Arizona, with clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators.

Violence included fistfights, shoving, and the use of sticks with police intervening to separate groups at UCLA, where at least 15 protesters were injured. 

First Lady Jill Biden affirms the right to peaceful protest in a democracy

"I wanted to ask you," a concerned Alyssa Farah Griffin began the conversation, adding, "Obviously all of our hearts break for the loss of life of innocent Palestinians in the crossfire in this war but are concerned over the campus protests we saw break out, some of the more violent rhetoric used and some of the rhetoric we saw. Could you speak to that?"

In response, Biden's words resonated with a profound understanding of the freedoms enshrined in democracy as she said, "Well, I think that, you know, people do have the right to protest. I mean, that's why we have a democracy. Thank God we live in a democracy, but I think that the protests have to be peaceful."

Dr Biden continued, "Peaceful. Why would we be violent? What is the point of the violence? I mean, aren't they really protesting the violence with violence? I mean, that doesn't make sense, so peaceful, yes, it is your right to protest."

Advocating for peaceful demonstrations, Biden again stated, "So, I agree with the students who are protesting, but do it peacefully."

According to The New York Times, President Joe Biden also referenced the First Lady's sentiments regarding the loss of civilian lives, particularly aid workers, in Gaza.

A top adviser to Jill Biden echoed her "heartbroken" feelings and affirmed her agreement with the President's stance that Israel needs to prioritize civilian safety.

This came after the President expressed outrage over an Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers, including one with dual US-Canadian citizenship, in Gaza.

Outrage over Jill Biden's 'peaceful' protests remark

Jill Biden's stance on being asked about the pro-Palestine college campus protests on 'The View' received a slew of reactions on social media.

One viewer said, ""Why answer violence with more violence" oh so she's admitting Israel is violent?"

Similarly, another observer wrote, "She accidentally told the truth."

Another highlighted, "Lol I think she working under the assumption that war is always violent."

Adding to the conversation, one viewer contributed, "She answered every question like a politician. Yes, Jill. Give us nothing."

One person asked, "Jill asks why would they protest the violence with violence...well, why would you support the violence in Gaza?"

Echoing this sentiment, another noted, "Here for the garbage."

Expanding on the topic, one individual said, "I'll pass on the Democrat party's version of democracy."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.