Trump criticizes Democrats for supporting Mahmoud Khalil

In a recent television interview, former President Donald Trump criticized Democrats for supporting Mahmoud Khalil, a controversial figure at Columbia University. Trump stated that backing Khalil is “not a great issue.” However, he suggested it may be better than opposing deportation for serious criminals. Trump’s comments came during a segment on Fox News with Laura Ingraham. He argued that Democratic support for Khalil reflects a larger trend of supporting policies that he believes are harmful. He claimed these positions contributed to Democratic losses in the 2024 elections. Khalil is currently being held in a Louisiana immigration detention center as he awaits a ruling on his potential deportation. The White House has accused him of distributing pro-Hamas flyers during protests last year. Khalil, who is a legal permanent resident, considers himself a "political prisoner." Recently, a federal judge blocked his deportation while his legal team challenges the legality of his arrest. Khalil is scheduled to appear in court again later this month. Vice President JD Vance supported Khalil’s arrest and indicated that more deportations are planned. He expressed that the government has the right to decide who should be in the country, emphasizing national security considerations.