United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) appeared on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” with Maria Bartiromo to discuss several recent incidents and legislative priorities. The topics included the shooting at Brown University, antisemitic violence in Australia, the rise of global antisemitism, and end-of-year Congressional goals.
Addressing the recent shooting at Brown University, Hagerty said: “It’s heartbreaking. Last night, when I got the news, I reached out to the president of Brown University to convey my condolences, my sympathies, and prayers for those who are injured. We don’t know a lot. There are a lot of questions to be answered. But as we move into the holiday season here, it’s just particularly heartbreaking to see this. I heard Senator Fetterman earlier about the message that we need to send. I hope it’s one of calmness. This is just a tragedy. And then combining this with what happened in Australia—it’s very, very disturbing.”
On antisemitism on college campuses, he stated: “It is just unbelievable that it hasn’t been taken more seriously. I don’t think the White House could have been more clear that this has got to come to an end. That message should be heard by the universities rather than scoffed at, and this is very serious. To think that we’ve got antisemitism running as rampant as it is—I heard Lindsey Graham say it shouldn’t be a death sentence to be a Jewish person in America. That’s absolutely true. Our Jewish friends deserve to be safe. They deserve not to suffer like this. And it’s just a tragedy that this is going on at American campuses.”
Regarding developments in the investigation at Brown University, Hagerty commented: “They’ve obtained a person. I hope this is the shooter. But we need not only to bring this person to justice, but to understand the motives and what is motivating these people to do this. What is the driving force for these terrible crimes? Having this happen on campus is so disruptive. These children should be there to study. They were in an econ class. And now I’m sure everybody’s been locked down until this morning. Campus must be a complete nightmare. My heart goes out to everybody there at Brown University.”
Hagerty also discussed concerns over foreign governments using social media platforms for divisive purposes: “I think we’ve had plenty of clear evidence that outside forces—outside governments, whether it be China, Russia, Iran, you name it—are doing things on social media to be divisive here in America. This is exactly the type of thing that breaks apart the moral fabric here in our country, and it’s something we absolutely should stop. We need to have more policing of what’s happening. I think X has taken an important step in terms of identifying the source of some of these personalities online that actually aren’t American at all. They’re misidentified. They’re coming from foreign countries. The time has come to identify this, make it clear, and stop it.”
Commenting on events overseas and their impact globally, he said: “It’s again a shocking revelation of what’s happened in Australia… There have been many complaints about the immigration policies in Australia… There’s an amazing amount of antisemitism around the world that we’re seeing emerge… You mentioned social media activating it… massive movements of people who absolutely want to see death to Israel—and death to America… This transpiring in Australia at a holy time… is just shocking… The Australian government needs to come together and stop this sort of antisemitic behavior… As …the United States …we need …to be supportive of these efforts.”
Hagerty spoke about former President Donald Trump’s approach toward Israel: “President Trump has been the most supportive president we’ve ever seen with Israel…. He’s taken decisive action in the Middle East …He’s done an amazing job …There’s still more work …But what President Trump and his leadership can bring …is a solid stance …President Trump can lead that effort….”
On political divisions related to antisemitism within Congress itself he said: “It’s been shocking …in pro-Palestinian movement,… taken on tones of antisemitism,… should not prevail…. Democratic Party seems embracing this…. It’s really sad… become mouthpiece for..antisemitic behavior here…. Americans are not antisemitic…. Americans are not pro-Palestinian…. It’s really shocking… Democrat party so aligned with such left-wing fringe ….divorced themselves from reality here….”
Discussing legislative priorities before year-end and efforts against crime in Memphis he added: “It certainly brings a new gravity … shootings in Providence,… overseas—Australia,… Syria—real concern…, get down business…. National Defense Authorization bill passed…, critical national security…, security allies…. Also addressing affordability crisis inherited from Joe Biden …, massive subsidies …, healthcare system…. Democrats’ solution…, trying fix broken program by subsidizing further…, not going work…. Republicans working real solutions….
With respect Memphis,… progress…, arrested over 4,000 criminals Memphis since effort began….. started moment President Trump elected….. put together collaborative team federal agents state level locally….. brought back 142 kids missing….. Serious gang members now behind bars….. making Memphis one safest cities America….. beautiful city…, feat see transformation happen quickly….. thanks President Trump leadership all…”
