Where Are Young Americans Protesting the Iran War on Campuses?

MS NOW host Katy Tur questions the lack of student protests against the Iran War compared to past anti-Israel demonstrations.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A solitary college-aged person sitting alone on a bench in a dimly lit urban plaza, the scene bathed in warm, cinematic lighting and deep shadows that evoke a sense of contemplation and detachment.The absence of young protesters against the Iran war stands in stark contrast to the vibrant campus activism seen in recent years, raising questions about the shifting political engagement of America's youth.NYC Today

During her show, Katy Tur expressed frustration over the absence of major protests from young Americans against the ongoing Iran War, in contrast to the prevalence of anti-Israel demonstrations seen in recent years. Tur cited a New York Times column that attributed the lack of campus activism to 'social media and AI-driven apathy,' rather than addressing the rise of anti-Semitism on the left exemplified by influencers like Hasan Piker.

Why it matters

The lack of student protests against the Iran War raises questions about the current state of political engagement and activism among young Americans, especially compared to the vocal opposition seen towards other U.S. military actions and policies in the past.

The details

Tur noted that the 'No King's' anti-Trump protests had an average age of 48, much older than the typical college-aged protesters. She compared this to the 'loud demonstrations and sit-ins over Gaza' that occurred two years ago, which drew strong participation from young Americans. Tur cited a New York Times opinion piece that attributed the lack of campus activism to 'social media and AI-driven apathy,' rather than addressing the rise of anti-Semitism on the left, as exemplified by influencers like Hasan Piker.

  • In October 2023, there were widespread protests against Israel's actions in Gaza.
  • On April 14, 2026, Hasan Piker spoke at a Yale event and expressed support for the fall of the Soviet Union.

The players

Katy Tur

The host of MS NOW, a daytime news program.

Hasan Piker

A far-left influencer who has expressed anti-Semitic views and support for the fall of the Soviet Union.

Thomas Edsall

A New York Times opinion columnist who interviewed experts about the lack of campus activism against the Iran War.

Lauren Egan

A reporter from The Bulwark who attributed the lack of campus protests to a crackdown by the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“But curiously, unlike other unpopular American wars or actions, this one has not yet spurred major protests. Where are the Americans on the street saying they don't want this? Specifically, the young Americans. They largely were not at the last No King's protest, where the average age was 48 years old, according to the School of International Service at American University, which tracks anti-Trump protest demographics.”

— Katy Tur, Host, MS NOW

“The collapse of the student activism and the lack of a thriving youth movement in opposition to Trump are a canary in the coal mine, warning of the deterioration of American exceptionalism, however imperfectly realized, which a vigorous citizenry relied on to make this country great in the first place.”

— Thomas Edsall, New York Times Columnist

“I do think there are some real structural issues that are making the stakes a lot higher for college kids to protest in the way we saw back during the Biden administration.”

— Lauren Egan, Reporter, The Bulwark

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex factors behind the lack of student activism against the Iran War, including the rise of anti-Semitism on the left and the changing political landscape on college campuses. It raises important questions about the state of political engagement among young Americans and the role of social media and technology in shaping protest movements.