Trump celebrates free speech after repeatedly attacking war hero John McCain
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Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump signed an executive order which will withhold federal funding from colleges and universities that do not permit or protect free speech amidst the president’s own attacks on Senator John McCain, more than six months after his death.
According to the president, the order is the first of many steps to come in his protection of the First amendment. During his remarks, Mr Trump invited students from colleges around the country to share their own stories of hindered free speech. One student recalled a time her school stopped her from handing out Valentine’s Day cards with religious messages.
Mr Trump also discussed his administration’s plans for student loan debt, which he said he is “going to work to fix”.
According to the president, who pointed some of the blame at universities, the Education Department and Treasury Department will publish information on future earnings and loan repayment for every major at every school.
The president’s remarks on the importance of upholding free speech come as he faces continued backlash over his own comments regarding late Senator John McCain, who he attacked Wednesday during a visit to Ohio.
In addition to repeating that he was “not a fan” of the late senator, Mr Trump complained that he had never been thanked for McCain’s state funeral.
Democrats and republicans have defended McCain following the president’s comments. The Washington National Cathedral also disputed Mr Trump’s claims that he had to “approve” the funeral for the late senator.
Also on Thursday, Mr Trump “made history” when he tweeted that the United States would be recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently hosting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, called the president’s recognition of the territory as Israeli land a “Purim miracle” and thanked President Trump.
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Following Mr Trump's remarks regarding Israel, US Congressman John Ratcliffe expressed his support.
"I commend President Trump's recognition of the Golan Heights as a sovereign part of Israel," Ratcliffe wrote on Twitter. "We must make it clear to the world that the United States stands firmly behind our trusted ally and friend."
Netanyahu also took a moment to thank the president for his support, writing on Twitter: "At a time when Iran seeks to use Syria as a platform to destroy Israel, President Trump boldly recognises Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
"Thank you President Trump!"
In a joint press conference with Mr Pompeo, Netanyahu referred to Mr Trump's support as a "Purim miracle".
"President Trump has just made history," he said. "I called him. I thanked him on behalf of the people of Israel. He did it again."
In McCain-related news, the Washington National Cathedral has disputed President Trump's claim that he had to "approve" the funeral for the late senator.
In a statement, chief communications officer Kevin Eckstrom said: "Washington National Cathedral was honoured to host the funeral service for Senator John McCain. All funerals and memorial services at the Cathedral are organised by the family of the deceased; only a state funeral for a former President involves consultation with government officials.
"No funeral at the Cathedral requires the approval of the President or any other government officials."
Amidst backlash over his own comments regarding Senator McCain, Mr Trump will sign an executive order Thursday upholding free speech on college campuses.
Under the policy, federal funding would be withheld from public and private colleges and universities that do not protect free speech.
Appearing in the East Room of the White House, Mr Trump said Thursday "just the thought of it sounds good" in regards to his signing of the executive order.
The president also said the order would be the first of a number of steps to come.
As part of his remarks, President Trump has asked students from colleges across the country to share their stories of instances where they felt silenced.
According to the president, these instances by colleges and universities "restrict free thought" and "impose total conformity".
"If a college or university does not allow you to speak, we will not give them money. It's very simple," the president said.
While discussing college loan debt, Mr Trump also touched on his own experience with "loans" and "other people's money".
"I've always been very good with loans," he said. "I love loans. I love other people's money."
As part of his plan to address student loan debt, the president said the Department of Education and Treasury Department will be required to publish information on future earnings and loan repayment rates for every major offered at every school.
President Trump signs executive order for free speech
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