Rep. Elise Stefanik is sounding the alarm on what she sees as another leadership failure in higher education, predicting the downfall of Claire Shipman, the interim president of Columbia University, over the administration’s continued mishandling of rising anti-Semitism on campus.
Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Stefanik didn’t hold back.
“We’re on the third president at Columbia, and this one won’t last either,” she said. “It’s absolutely untenable.”
Columbia Faces Growing Pressure Over Anti-Semitism
Stefanik’s comments come as Columbia University, like many elite institutions, faces mounting criticism for failing to protect Jewish students in the wake of ongoing harassment and anti-Israel demonstrations. The backlash intensified following Shipman’s dismissive remarks referring to congressional oversight hearings on campus anti-Semitism as “Capitol Hill nonsense.”
That attitude, Stefanik argued, is precisely why these university presidents keep falling. “That arrogance is the problem,” she said. “They think they’re above scrutiny while their campuses are unsafe and discriminatory.”
Pattern of Resignations and Congressional Scrutiny
Stefanik has played a central role in holding university leadership accountable since the 2023 congressional hearing on anti-Semitism, where presidents from top schools were grilled for dodging questions about whether calls for the genocide of Jews violated their own harassment policies.
The public backlash was swift, leading to the resignation of multiple Ivy League presidents, and prompting broader investigations into elite institutions’ handling of anti-Semitic incidents.
Trump Administration Steps In
The Trump administration has already taken action, cutting off federal funding to Columbia University over its failure to curb campus hate and protect Jewish students. Additionally, visas are being revoked for foreign nationals identified as pro-Hamas agitators, a move designed to send a clear message: America will not tolerate hate masquerading as activism.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has led the charge, demanding transparency and policy enforcement from university administrators. Stefanik praised McMahon’s leadership, calling it “a much-needed reset in how our government holds corrupt institutions accountable.”
Columbia’s Leadership on Thin Ice
Claire Shipman’s future as interim president now appears increasingly uncertain. Her decision to brush off the congressional investigation has only fueled more outrage and calls for her resignation from donors, alumni, and lawmakers alike.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about right and wrong,” Stefanik said. “Jewish students deserve to feel safe. If university leaders can’t ensure that, they have no business leading at all.”
With Congress applying pressure and the Trump administration tightening oversight, Stefanik made her prediction crystal clear: “Another resignation is coming—and it’s long overdue.”