New York Governor Hochul says Johnson is ‘enhancing’ Columbia Division

New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., for his recent visit to Columbia University, stating that his presence “is only fueling the division” amidst the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

Johnson’s appearance at Columbia on Wednesday was met with protests that reportedly drowned out his speech, with demonstrators accusing him of supporting Hamas and Hezbollah while chanting “Stop the genocide.”

In response to Johnson’s visit, Hochul, in a press conference, expressed her disapproval of his actions, suggesting that he should have remained in Washington.

“I believe that by politicizing this issue and drawing attention to it, we are only exacerbating the existing division,” Hochul said, as reported by Politico. “A true speaker should aim to bring people together rather than drive them apart, so I do not see this as a positive development.”

She further commented, “It appears to me that there are more pressing matters and crises to address in Washington. I recommend that the speaker return and focus on issues such as the migrant bill and border security, so that we can address the actual crises facing New York.”

Hochul also mentioned that during her own visit to the university earlier in the week, she went privately and did not bring along any press.

In response to Hochul’s remarks, a spokesperson for Johnson issued a statement saying, “Speaker Johnson is speaking at Columbia University to address the lack of protection for Jewish students and the rise of antisemitism within the New York political sphere. It is unfortunate that this action is necessary.”