How Trump can put a stop to masked terror on campus

New York Post - Mar 16th, 2025
Open on New York Post

President Trump has called for a federal crackdown on antisemitic protests on college campuses, specifically targeting the use of masks by demonstrators. Trump proposed using executive powers to mandate anti-masking policies for institutions receiving federal funding, drawing parallels to past legislation against the Ku Klux Klan. The move aims to prevent masked individuals from engaging in violent and intimidating actions without accountability.

The rise in antisemitic incidents, allegedly fueled by masked protesters, has led to calls for stricter regulations. The proposed measures would involve the Education Secretary and Attorney General implementing policies to ensure the safety and rights of students, using existing federal laws like the Clery Act and the STOP School Violence Act. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between free speech and public safety, with significant implications for campus policies nationwide.

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RATING

3.6
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a provocative stance on the issue of masked protests on college campuses, with a focus on advocating for policy changes aligned with President Trump's views. While the article is timely and addresses topics of public interest, such as campus safety and antisemitism, it lacks balance and relies on unverified claims without sufficient supporting evidence. The narrative is clear and engaging but suffers from a lack of diverse perspectives and transparency in its arguments. The potential for controversy is high, given the contentious nature of the topics discussed. Overall, the article could benefit from more comprehensive sourcing and a more balanced presentation of viewpoints to enhance its accuracy and credibility.

RATING DETAILS

4
Accuracy

The story contains several factual claims that require verification for accuracy. For instance, the assertion that President Trump threatened to cut federal funding for colleges allowing 'illegal protests' needs confirmation, as the president's authority to unilaterally revoke federal funds is not straightforward and typically requires legal proceedings. Additionally, the claim that masked protesters are responsible for specific incidents of vandalism and intimidation on campuses, such as causing $3 million in damage at City College, lacks cited evidence or sources. The article draws historical parallels between current masked protests and the KKK, suggesting anti-masking laws were effective in reducing Klan activities, but this historical context is not substantiated with detailed evidence. Overall, the article presents claims with a degree of certainty that is not fully supported by verifiable facts.

3
Balance

The article predominantly presents a one-sided perspective that aligns with a conservative viewpoint, particularly in its support for President Trump's stance against masked protests. It does not offer a balanced representation of differing perspectives, such as those of the protesters, university administrators, or legal experts on free speech and civil rights. The narrative heavily leans towards portraying masked protests as inherently violent and antisemitic without exploring the motivations or grievances of the protesters. This lack of balance and the omission of counterarguments or alternative viewpoints result in a skewed presentation of the issue.

6
Clarity

The article is written in a clear and direct manner, making its arguments easy to follow. The language is straightforward, and the narrative structure logically progresses from the problem statement to proposed solutions. However, the tone is somewhat assertive and lacks neutrality, which may affect the reader's perception of the content's objectivity. While the article is accessible, the clarity of its arguments is diminished by the lack of supporting evidence and balanced perspectives.

2
Source quality

The article does not provide citations or references to credible sources to support its claims. There is a reliance on generalizations and anecdotal evidence without attribution to specific reports, studies, or expert opinions. The absence of named sources or direct quotes from involved parties, such as university officials or law enforcement, weakens the credibility of the information presented. The article's reliance on historical comparisons without authoritative sources further undermines its reliability.

3
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the basis for its claims and the methodology used to arrive at its conclusions. There is no clear explanation of how the author determined the connection between masking and increased antisemitism or the legal feasibility of the proposed executive actions. Additionally, the potential conflicts of interest, given the author's position at the Manhattan Institute, are not addressed, which could impact the perceived impartiality of the arguments presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.opb.org/article/2025/03/15/turmoil-at-columbia-university-as-trump-admin-demands-changes/
  2. https://8kun.top/qresearch/res/22766984.html
  3. https://www.thefire.org/news/statement-president-trumps-truth-social-post-threatening-funding-cuts-illegal-protests
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=361757v
  5. https://www.highereddive.com/news/judge-blocks-trump-anti-dei-order/740789/