Police arrest masked protesters outside Trump's 'Board of Peace' event

Police arrest masked protesters at Trump event

Police arrested several pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside a Donald Trump campaign event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The protesters had gathered outside the "Board of Peace" meeting, with some wearing masks depicting Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Senator Marco Rubio.

Video from the scene shows officers shoving some individuals before taking them into custody. The crowd chanted "Free Palestine" throughout the incident.

The Board of Peace meeting

The event, billed as a "Board of Peace" meeting, was hosted by the former president at the Trump International Hotel. It focused on Trump's proposals for resolving the war between Israel and Hamas.

Attendees included several of Trump's former advisors and ambassadors. The campaign has framed the meeting as a contrast to President Joe Biden's handling of the conflict.

A summer of campus protests

The D.C. protest occurs after a spring and summer defined by widespread pro-Palestinian demonstrations on university campuses across the U.S. These protests often called for universities to divest from companies tied to Israel.

Hundreds of arrests were made during encampment clearings at schools including Columbia University and UCLA. The movement has kept the issue at the forefront of political discourse.

• Columbia University: Police cleared an encampment, arresting over 100 protesters.
• UCLA: A major encampment was dismantled after violent clashes.
• National Scope: Dozens of other universities saw similar protests and arrests.

Trump's stance on the Israel-Hamas war

Trump has been a staunch supporter of Israel throughout his political career. His administration moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and brokered the Abraham Accords.

Regarding the current war, Trump has criticized Israel's military response as a "public relations nightmare" but has not detailed a specific peace plan. He has repeatedly blamed the current conflict on Biden's foreign policy.

Political pressure on Biden

The ongoing war has created significant political challenges for President Biden. His support for Israel has fractured parts of the Democratic coalition, particularly among younger and progressive voters.

This internal pressure was evident during the recent Democratic primaries, where a notable protest vote emerged in states like Michigan. The administration has recently paused some arms shipments to Israel while pushing for a ceasefire.

What happens next

The protest and Trump's counter-programming highlight how the Israel-Hamas war remains a potent political issue months before the election. Both campaigns are attempting to define their approach to a conflict with no clear end in sight.

Further demonstrations are likely as the summer convention season begins. The war's trajectory could significantly influence voter sentiment in key battleground states.