The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Trump's War on Campus Anti-Semitism"
Release Date: March 10, 2025

Overview

In this compelling episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host Jon Podhoretz, alongside executive editor Abe Greenwald, Washington Commentary columnist Matthew Continetti, and social commentary columnist Christine Rosen, delve deep into the Trump administration's initiatives to combat anti-Semitism on American college campuses. Released amidst heightened tensions and significant policy shifts, the discussion offers a thorough analysis of recent actions, their implications, and the broader cultural landscape affecting Jewish communities in the United States.

1. Trump Administration’s Actions Against Campus Anti-Semitism

The episode opens with a critical examination of the Trump administration’s decision to suspend $400 million in direct federal grants to Columbia University. This move extends to a review of an additional $5 billion connected to Columbia through federal funding.

Jon Podhoretz elaborates on the administration's strategy:

"[...] the administration is holding universities responsible for their failures to protect Jewish students under Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act" ([04:50]).

The administration adopts the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of anti-Semitism, aiming to leverage civil rights laws to shield Jewish students from discrimination. This policy shift has sparked predictably strong opposition, including concerns about due process:

"There was no due process. There's a comment period..." – Jon Podhoretz ([05:10]).

Christine Rosen adds her perspective:

"I'm worried that if the administration hasn't or doesn't cross its T's and dot its I's will end up with a stunt that we've all cheered on, that won't have been effective" ([06:00]).

2. Financial Implications and Institutional Responses

Abe Greenwald highlights the financial intertwining between federal funding and progressive university systems:

"A quarter of Columbia's operating budget comes from the federal government, showing the way in which the federal government, dominated by progressives, is interconnected with our elite university system dominated by progressives" ([07:00]).

The suspension of funds is portrayed not only as an anti-Semitism measure but also as part of a broader Trump administration effort to challenge progressive institutions. This aligns with actions like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin's elimination of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs at the University of Virginia, indicating a "counter-revolution" against entrenched progressive policies ([09:30]).

3. ICE Interventions and Hostage Negotiations

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the ICE's arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia accused of leading pro-Palestinian protests and promoting terrorism. Jon Podhoretz critiques the procedural mishandling during Khalil's arrest:

"He's a green card holder... it's a pathway to citizenship. [...] everything is on the table" ([11:07]).

Matthew Continetti emphasizes the necessity of using legal frameworks to address such threats:

"We want the people who are doing it to be scared [...] and we want, if they are American citizens and do things that violate the law, to fear that the law will come down on them like a ton of bricks" ([15:47]).

The conversation extends to other instances, such as the arrests at George Mason University, highlighting a pattern of increased law enforcement actions against perceived threats on campuses ([32:33]).

4. Cultural Influence and Mainstreaming of Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theories

Transitioning from policy to culture, the panel discusses the pervasive influence of anti-Semitic narratives in popular media and podcasts. Matthew Continetti raises concerns about figures like Theo Vaughn and Candace Owens spreading conspiracy theories:

"The mainstreaming of anti Semitic conspiracy theory is something that I think if you're conservative, you should be deeply, deeply concerned about" ([58:35]).

Christine Rosen criticizes influential podcasters such as Joe Rogan for providing platforms to anti-Semitic voices:

"Joe Rogan ... he's made it all kind of fun. [...] Do Jews control everything?" ([62:32]).

The impact on younger generations is particularly troubling, with these narratives fostering ignorance and prejudice among youth who are otherwise politically disengaged but open to alternative ideas ([60:49]).

5. Administrative and Strategic Challenges

The panelists critique the Trump administration's handling of hostage negotiations and diplomatic strategies. Jon Podhoretz points out inconsistencies and rookie mistakes:

"He called Palestinian prisoners hostages and he called Israeli hostages prisoners. Do you know why? Because he doesn't know what he's talking about" ([50:57]).

Abe Greenwald differentiates between chaotic approaches and more strategic governmental actions:

"[...] what happened last week with doj, into the UC system and its treatment of Jewish students, ice going after the student [...] seems to be a little bit more strategic and a little Bit more planned out" ([28:02]).

6. Long-Term Implications for Universities and Jewish Communities

The suspension of federal funding is predicted to have lasting repercussions on institutions like Columbia University. Jon Podhoretz draws parallels to the 1968 student revolts and their long-term impact:

"When Columbia was overtaken in 1968 by student radicals... their reputation in the United States fell precipitously" ([35:14]).

Abe Greenwald warns that ongoing anti-Semitic initiatives could lead to significant degradation of university environments, making them inhospitable for Jewish students and damaging their academic reputations:

"The university system as we know it is headed toward combustion" ([38:32]).

7. Strategies for Combating Anti-Semitism

The discussion concludes with strategies to combat rising anti-Semitism. Jon Podhoretz advocates for unwavering support and success for Israel as a deterrent:

"Nothing succeeds like success. [...] The best way to fight the scourge of anti Semitism? Israel winning the war against Hamas" ([62:40]).

Abe Greenwald underscores the importance of distinguishing between political actions and cultural influences, suggesting that punitive measures against anti-Semitic behavior remain essential:

"The only way to fight it is to punish antisemitism when it rears its ugly head" ([67:41]).

Matthew Continetti emphasizes the role of education and cultural engagement in countering anti-Semitic ideologies among the youth:

"It's a cultural thing that's bubbling along... introducing an entirely new generation to these ideas uncritically" ([61:30]).

Notable Quotes

• Jon Podhoretz ([04:50]): "The administration is holding universities responsible for their failures to protect Jewish students under Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act."

• Christine Rosen ([06:00]): "I'm worried that if the administration hasn't or doesn't cross its T's and dot its I's will end up with a stunt that we've all cheered on, that won't have been effective."

• Matthew Continetti ([58:35]): "The mainstreaming of anti Semitic conspiracy theory is something that I think if you're conservative, you should be deeply, deeply concerned about."

• Christine Rosen ([62:32]): "Joe Rogan ... he's made it all kind of fun. [...] Do Jews control everything?"

Conclusion

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of the Trump administration's multifaceted approach to combating anti-Semitism on college campuses. Through incisive analysis and passionate debate, the panelists shed light on the complexities of policy implementation, the financial and cultural ramifications for educational institutions, and the urgent need to address anti-Semitic influences in popular media. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of the intersection between politics, education, and cultural dynamics affecting Jewish communities today, this episode serves as an essential resource.