The Trump administration has announced the immediate withdrawal of $400 million (£310 million) in federal funding from Columbia University, citing the institution’s failure to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish students on campus.
In a joint statement issued by four federal agencies, officials condemned Columbia’s “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students,” emphasizing that the university had not done enough to address rising antisemitic incidents.
Columbia at the Center of Campus Protests
Columbia University became a focal point for pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2024, as students protested against Israel and the war in Gaza. The protests, some of the largest seen on any U.S. campus, fueled tensions and led to high-profile resignations, including that of university president Minouche Shafik in August 2024.
Trump’s Crackdown on Campus Protests
Earlier this week, President Trump had warned that his administration would revoke funding from schools and universities that allow what he described as “illegal protests.” The decision to cut funding from Columbia marks the first major enforcement of this policy.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon reinforced the administration’s stance, stating that Jewish students facing “relentless violence, intimidation, and antisemitic harassment” had been “ignored” by university officials.
“Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer,” she said.
Columbia Responds
A spokesperson for Columbia University told that the institution is reviewing the announcement and will work with the federal government to restore funding.
“We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is. We are committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue on Columbia’s campus. On Friday, university officials confirmed that four students were arrested earlier in the week for a “disruption at Barnard College.” The students have since been suspended and banned from campus.