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The White House has shot down a call from Speaker Mike Johnson to deploy the National Guard to college campuses amid escalating protests over the war in Gaza.

Speaker Johnson, having visited Columbia University this week, where significant pro-Palestine protests have been ongoing, stressed the urgency of the situation by suggesting that President Biden needed to intervene militarily to maintain order.  

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre responded to questions on Thursday, clarifying the administration’s stance. “That is something for the governors to decide,” she stated, distancing the President from direct involvement. Jean-Pierre also referenced President Biden’s previous criticisms of the protests, labeling them as antisemitic, highlighting the administration’s concern over the tone and implications of the demonstrations.

This comes after Speaker Johnson labeled the protests “dangerous” during his visit on Wednesday. He added, “If this is not contained quickly and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard.”