Columbia’s New President Called Antisemitism Hearings “Nonsense”—Now She’s in Charge

Claire Shipman, a former CNN journalist and longtime Columbia insider, privately dismissed congressional hearings on campus antisemitism—even as she takes the reins of a university rocked by scandal.

Key Facts:

Claire Shipman was named Columbia University president on Friday, replacing interim president Katrina Armstrong.
In December 2023, Shipman texted Columbia’s then-president that she hoped the school would be spared from “Capitol Hill nonsense” related to congressional antisemitism hearings.
The hearings led to high-profile resignations at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania.
Shipman suggested unsuspending student protest groups in private messages.
The texts surfaced in a 325-page report by the Republican-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

The Rest of The Story:

Claire Shipman, a former CNN White House correspondent and spouse of Obama-era press secretary Jay Carney, was elevated from Columbia University’s board of trustees to its presidency.

This evening, the Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Katrina A. Armstrong is returning to lead the University’s Irving Medical Center. Board of Trustees Co-Chair Claire Shipman has been appointed Acting President, effective immediately. Find the full release here:… pic.twitter.com/lfoE98c4j2

— Columbia University (@Columbia) March 28, 2025

Her private remarks—calling congressional investigations into campus antisemitism “Capitol Hill nonsense”—surfaced in leaked texts published by House Republicans.

The messages, sent on December 28, 2023, were part of a broader discussion among Columbia officials amid rising pressure from Washington over student-led protests against Israel.

In her texts, Shipman also pushed for the reinstatement of student groups that had participated in those demonstrations, arguing it might deflate growing political backlash.

Columbia’s leadership has been unstable for nearly a year.

Former president Minouche Shafik resigned last August, followed by Katrina Armstrong, who left shortly after agreeing—under pressure from the Trump administration—to implement protest restrictions to preserve $400 million in federal funding.

Commentary:

Shipman’s appointment raises serious concerns about whether she understands the gravity of antisemitism on campus—or worse, whether she’s willing to downplay it.

Her public record shows involvement with AIPAC and moderating pro-Israel discussions, but her private text messages tell a different story.

Calling a congressional probe into antisemitism “nonsense” suggests she sees the issue as political theater rather than a legitimate concern.

If Shipman truly believes antisemitism is a problem, then she owes the public a clear, consistent stance—and immediate action.

The disconnect between her public involvement in Jewish advocacy circles and her dismissive tone in private texts doesn’t inspire confidence.

Her suggestion to “unsuspend” protest groups not out of principle, but to blunt political fallout, raises questions about her priorities.

Is this about safety and campus order—or is it damage control for the university’s image?

Columbia has already cycled through two presidents in a year.

That kind of instability is unsustainable.

The Trump administration’s warning was clear: stop allowing antisemitism to flourish under the banner of protest, or risk losing hundreds of millions in federal funding.

The message wasn’t subtle, and Shipman now finds herself in the crosshairs.

She must decide whether to clean house and restore order—or continue down the path of appeasement.

Columbia’s future, and its reputation, may hinge on that choice.

If she follows the pattern of her predecessors, the university could be headed for further decline.

The Bottom Line:

Claire Shipman now leads Columbia University amid ongoing fallout over campus antisemitism.

While she has spoken out publicly against antisemitism, her private comments and internal strategies suggest a more dismissive attitude.

With Congress watching closely and federal funding on the line, Shipman must either confront the problem head-on or risk further chaos.

Columbia cannot afford another misstep.