March 9th, 2025

Trump Pulled $400M from Columbia. Other Schools Could Be Next

The Trump administration withdrew $400 million from Columbia University over antisemitism concerns, affecting nine other universities. Faculty contest claims, while schools adjust policies to avoid further repercussions.

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Trump Pulled $400M from Columbia. Other Schools Could Be Next

The Trump administration has withdrawn $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing the school's failure to adequately address antisemitism. This action has raised concerns among at least nine other universities, including Harvard, George Washington University, and UCLA, which are also under scrutiny for similar allegations. Faculty leaders at these institutions have contested the administration's claims, arguing that while some Jewish students feel unsafe, the majority of protests have been peaceful and included Jewish participants. The administration's focus on combating antisemitism in higher education has intensified, with President Trump threatening to penalize schools that allow what he deems "illegal" protests. Following a pro-Palestinian protest at Barnard College, the administration announced its review of these schools and the cancellation of funding for Columbia. The criteria for the administration's scrutiny remain vague, but many of the schools listed have faced criticism for their handling of antisemitic incidents. Some university officials express that they are facing an "existential threat" due to the funding cuts and have begun to adjust their policies and practices to avoid further repercussions. Columbia has stated it is reviewing the situation and aims to cooperate with the government.

- Trump administration withdrew $400 million from Columbia University over antisemitism concerns.

- Nine other universities, including Harvard and UCLA, are also under scrutiny.

- Faculty leaders contest claims of widespread antisemitism on their campuses.

- The administration threatens to penalize schools allowing "illegal" protests.

- Universities are adjusting policies in response to funding cuts and scrutiny.

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By @biglyburrito - about 1 month
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the total value of Columbia's endowment was $14.8 billion. I think they're gonna be OK.
By @breadwinner - about 1 month
Trump released a statement on Truth Social saying: “All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests.”

What is an "illegal protest"? Do we have a 1st amendment or not? JD Vance went to Europe and chided them for not allowing free speech.

This is not about antisemitism at all, this is after all an antisemitic president [1], this is about political payback for those who didn't support him.

Many schools have paused hiring and reduced the number of doctoral students admitted in response to the financial uncertainty.

[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/10/17/trump-his...