Internet weighs in as Mike Johnson calls out Ilhan Omar for criticizing his visit to Columbia University

WASHINGTON, DC: On Thursday, April 25, during his interview on the ‘Brian Kilmeade Show’ House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his disagreement with Rep Ilhan Omar's (D-Minn.) critique of his recent visit to Columbia University, per Fox News.

Republican Mike Johnson, who represents Louisiana's Fourth Congressional District, stated that Omar and other left-leaning Democrats are espousing "exactly the wrong thing" at a time when Jewish students at the prestigious institution have voiced concerns for their safety in the wake of anti-Israel demonstrations.

According to Johnson, Omar's criticism was "absolutely absurd."

What did Speaker Mike Johnson say about Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar?

House Speaker Mike Johnson began by saying, “It's absurd. It's absolutely absurd for her to say that. It's incredible that I was going there to meet with and speak out on behalf of Jewish students. Safety could be seen as divisive in any way.”

“This is exactly the problem,” the Louisiana Republican remarked, adding. “It's actually an issue that ought to be uniting every elected official. But some of these folks are afraid to speak out, and others, like my colleague Omar, are saying exactly the wrong thing.”

“Look, if these universities would be held accountable and then protect their students on campus, we wouldn't need to be there. We wouldn't need to speak out,” he argued. “And the House has taken action to do everything that's within our power, and we're going to do more. But we need everybody who has a platform, every elected official to be on the right side of this. And sadly, some of them are doing exactly the wrong thing.”

Rep Omar, whose daughter was detained at the Columbia encampment earlier this week, claimed Johnson's visit to the area endangered people's lives.

"It is not surprising that he would go out to Columbia University and stir up really more anger and hate and endanger the lives of young people who are at the encampment at Columbia University," the progressive lawmaker told MSNBC.

The speaker's office stated in response to the attacks, "Speaker Johnson spoke to students at Columbia University because Governor Hochul and other officials in New York have completely failed in their duty to protect Jewish students and combat the rise of antisemitism in their party. We wish it hadn’t been necessary."

Internet divided as Mike Johnson hits back at Ilhan Omar's critique

One X user remarked, "Johnson is one big disappointment!"

Another user said, "Whoa, Mike, slow down there. You gotta pick your battles. You sure this is the right one?"

Another user wrote, "His visit wasn't in good faith. He was just being a political douche. These politicians aren't responsible people, they foment hate, throw gasoline on the try and create division."

One user claimed, "Omar is an anathema to our democracy. Time to go."

Another X user remarked, "So then she makes her own visit. Defiant."

A user tweeted, "Must be quite the showdown! Can't wait to see how this drama unfolds."

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