Biden’s youth vote problem continues to grow, while Trump is stuck in court: The

Hello and welcome to your weekly update on the biggest moments in the United States from North America bureau chief Jade Macmillan.

When the president of one of America’s most prestigious universities called police onto campus grounds last week, she did so with “great regret.”

Columbia University’s leaders recognised the decision to clear an encampment set up by pro-Palestinian protesters would be of deep consequence at an institution with a long history of student activism.

But in an already tense environment in the wake of the Israel-Gaza war, the move not only failed to stop the activity at Columbia — it sparked a wave of similar demonstrations across the country.

More than 100 people were arrested at the Manhattan campus as police moved in and dismantled tents set up on one of its lawns.

In the days that followed, dozens more were arrested at nearby New York University.

Police in riot gear and on horseback have since clashed with protesters in Texas, while tensions flared at other campuses from Connecticut to California.

The demonstrators are demanding an end to Israeli military action in Gaza, and for the universities to cut financial ties to companies that they say profit from the conflict.

Some have drawn comparisons to student activism against the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa, arguing they’re on the “right side of history.”

But the demonstrations have also attracted accusations of antisemitism from some Jewish students, who say they have been harassed and made to feel unsafe on campus.

The escalations have left many universities in turmoil as they grapple with how to balance the right to freedom of speech with the need to protect their students.

And it’s once again highlighted one of the many political challenges facing the US president as this year’s election draws closer.

Biden under pressure as campus tensions escalate

Joe Biden has tried to navigate a balance, condemning what he called “antisemitic protests”, but at the same time slamming those who “don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians”. 

The president has also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, while promising the US was “ironclad” in its commitment to Israel’s security.

This week, that included signing a foreign aid package into law that will deliver Israel billions of dollars in extra military assistance.

With polls suggesting support for Biden is already lagging among younger voters, some in his own party have warned he’ll face a significant backlash from them come November.

Biden leads Trump 45 per cent to 37 per cent, among voters under 29 years old, according to one national poll conducted by Harvard University.

An 8-point advantage might seem pretty good, but it’s a much smaller lead than Biden enjoyed over Trump four years ago.

In 2020, Biden was 23 percentage points more popular among young…