Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently criticized those defending pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil’s free speech rights. He made these comments during an interview on CBS News’ “Face The Nation” with Margaret Brennan. His remarks came after Khalil was arrested by federal immigration authorities two weeks ago.
Rubio pointed out a contradiction among those supporting Khalil. He noted that many of them have previously pushed for censorship of political speech on social media. “It’s ironic and hypocritical,” he said. He expressed concern about people promoting Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the United States.
“If you are in this country to promote Hamas, to vandalize, or to participate in riots on campus, we never would have let you in if we had known that,” Rubio stated. He emphasized that now that authorities are aware of Khalil’s actions, he should be removed from the country.
Rubio also pushed back against those who oppose the administration’s efforts to remove individuals deemed dangerous. “We don’t want terrorists in America,” he insisted. He argued that the country should not allow anyone who threatens public safety or national security, especially those here on a visa as guests.
Rubio’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about free speech, national security, and the responsibilities of those living in the U.S. His remarks reflect a firm stance on ensuring safety while addressing the complexities of free expression in a diverse society.