The White House warned Egypt's government about growing protests in the country Wednesday, saying President Hosni Mubarak has a chance to show the world "exactly who he is" by bringing change to the country.

"Obviously if any of the violence was instigated by the government, it should stop immediately," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. "That has been our standing throughout this."

Gibbs said Mubarak needs to prepare for an orderly transition from power immediately, and that it should include voices from the opposition.

He added that President Barack Obama found the images from Egypt "outrageous and deplorable."

Apart from condemning the violence in Egypt, the U.S. could play a vital role in what happens next in the country.

CBN News spoke with Cliff May of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies about this, and why American leadership in Egypt's crisis is needed.  Click play for his comments.