Two former Obama government officials have criticized the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for its endorsement of President Donald J. Trump’s order to deport foreign-born students protesting Israel. The controversy follows the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident with British government ties, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the new directive targeting student protesters who support the Hamas terrorist group.
The ADL expressed its support for Khalil’s detention, citing the need for significant repercussions for those involved in activities such as providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations and inciting violence. The organization added that Khalil’s arrest should serve as a deterrent against future antisemitic protests.
Jon Lovett, a former speechwriter for President Barack Obama, openly criticized the ADL’s stance. Lovett denounced the ADL’s statement as “shameful,” emphasizing that crimes should be charged accordingly without infringing upon First Amendment rights or revoking immigration status as a form of protest punishment.
Lovett expressed his disillusionment with the ADL, suggesting that the organization no longer represents American Jewish interests, and called for financial support to be withdrawn.
Ben Rhodes, who served as deputy national security adviser under Obama, echoed Lovett’s sentiments, also labeling the ADL’s statement as “shameful.”
President Trump has also cracked down on universities that have allowed antisemitic protests on their campuses, cutting millions in federal funding.
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