Cavuto Challenges Rep. Mace's Claim on Soros Funding Pro-Palestinian Groups

Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto pushed back against Rep. Nancy Mace's (R-SC) claim that billionaire philanthropist George Soros is funding pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. During an interview on "Your World with Neil Cavuto" on Friday, Mace joined a growing trend among GOP members by accusing Soros of being behind the protests, which have emerged amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Why this matters: The spread of unsubstantiated claims about Soros' involvement in protests can contribute to the erosion of trust in political discourse and the media. Furthermore, such claims can have real-world consequences, such as fueling anti-Semitic sentiments and undermininglegitimate forms of political protest.

Cavuto challenged Mace's assertion, stating, "Alright, there's no proof that these are funded by George Soros, by the way." He added, "I just looked for the checks and I haven't seen them yet." Mace opted not to push the issue further, responding, "We'll agree to disagree, I guess."

Mace's accusation follows similar claims made by other prominent GOP figures in recent days. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake have all suggested or declared that Soros is providing financial support for protesters at universities like Columbia, UCLA, and Rutgers.

The controversy surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict has led to protests on college campuses, with some students occupying campus buildings and calling for divestment from Israel. Mace suggested that some students involved in the protests should be deported, citing concerns about violence. "While they want disclosure and divestment, I want firings. I want people to be expelled. I want those who are here illegally or here on a student visa and participating in these things deported," she stated.

However, Cavuto clarified that there is no evidence to support the claim that Soros is funding these protests, and that the groups involved have denied receiving funding from him. Mace's implication of violence during protests refers to the occupation of campus buildings, including broken windows, rather than physical altercations. The NYPD accidentally fired a gun while clearing a building at Columbia University, but no one was injured.

The exchange between Cavuto and Mace highlights the tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and its influence on political discourse, particularly on college campuses. As protests continue at universities across the country, the accusations against Soros remain unsubstantiated, with Cavuto's pushback underscoring the importance of fact-checking and evidence-based reporting in the midst of heated political debates.

Key Takeaways

• Rep. Nancy Mace claims George Soros funds pro-Palestinian college protests, but provides no evidence.
• Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto pushes back, saying there's no proof of Soros' involvement.
• Other GOP figures, including Mike Johnson and Ted Cruz, have made similar unsubstantiated claims.
• Mace suggests deporting students involved in protests, citing concerns about violence.
• Cavuto's pushback highlights the importance of fact-checking in political discourse.