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Lara Trump Interviews Andrew Kolvet After Violent Protest at TPUSA Event and DOJ Launches Investigation


Top Points

  • A TPUSA event at UC Berkeley erupted into violent protests: Protesters reportedly used tear gas, fireworks, and thrown objects, leading to multiple arrests and creating a dangerous environment outside the venue.

  • The Department of Justice has launched a formal investigation: The DOJ and FBI are examining whether campus officials and law enforcement provided adequate security and whether organized outside groups contributed to the violence.

  • Andrew Kolvet told Lara Trump that the incident reflects a broader threat to free speech: Kolvet argued that the violence shows how some activists resort to intimidation rather than debate, and he urged stronger protections for peaceful political events.


Full Report:

On a recent broadcast of My View, Lara Trump spoke with Andrew Kolvet about a chaotic protest that erupted during a TPUSA event at UC Berkeley. The discussion focused on what Kolvet described as aggressive and violent behavior by protesters and the decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to open a full investigation into the incident.


What Happened at the TPUSA Event

The event at UC Berkeley took place on November 10, 2025, as part of TPUSA’s campus tour. According to reports, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the venue and confronted attendees. The protest escalated into violence, with some individuals reportedly using tear gas, fireworks, and thrown objects. At least three people were arrested.


Kolvet described the protesters as thugs and agitators who attempted to force their way into the event and created what he called a warzone outside the building. Despite the unrest, the program inside continued. Reports noted that attendees remained calm as smoke and flash from the chaos outside seeped into the area.


Federal Response: DOJ Investigation Underway

In response to the violence, the Department of Justice announced that its Civil Rights Division and the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force would investigate the protests. A top DOJ official condemned the violent actions and stated that they were unacceptable assaults on individuals exercising First Amendment rights. The Department also sent letters to UC Berkeley leadership requesting all available campus security and police records related to the event and its aftermath.


Authorities are examining whether university or local law enforcement failed to provide adequate security and whether outside groups played a role in organizing the violence.


Kolvet’s Message on the Show

During the interview, Kolvet praised attendees for staying collected despite the aggression. He argued that the protest demonstrated that some campus activists are willing to use intimidation and force rather than engage in debate. He said the attempt to silence speakers and attendees reflects a larger trend of free speech being threatened in academic environments.


Kolvet added that he hopes the DOJ investigation will hold responsible those who committed acts of violence and discourage similar incidents at future events.


What It Means Going Forward

The episode closed with a broader conversation about political polarization, rising tensions on college campuses, and the need for stronger protections for free speech and peaceful assembly. Kolvet and Lara Trump emphasized that universities should take all necessary measures to protect event participants regardless of political affiliation.


They encouraged viewers to follow the progress of the DOJ investigation and to continue advocating for the right to gather and speak freely without fear of violence.


References

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