Trump Admin Cuts $400M Funding to Columbia University Over Antisemitism Claims
Washington — The Trump administration has announced the cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing allegations of antisemitic harassment on and near its New York City campus.
In a joint statement on Friday, the U.S. Departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services, along with the General Services Administration, said the decision was made in response to concerns over the university’s handling of antisemitic incidents.
Lack of Specifics Sparks Backlash
The administration did not provide details on the specific grants or contracts affected, nor did it present evidence to support claims of antisemitic harassment. Columbia currently receives over $5 billion in federal grants, primarily for healthcare and scientific research, though Reuters could not independently verify these figures.
Civil rights groups and legal experts have criticized the decision, warning that it may face legal challenges for violating constitutional protections of free speech. Critics argue that the funding cuts amount to government retaliation against political expression.
Campus Protests and Rising Tensions
Columbia University has been at the center of a national wave of pro-Palestinian student protests over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Protesters have demanded that the university divest from companies linked to Israel’s military operations. In April, demonstrators briefly occupied an academic building and set up encampments on campus lawns.
While some Jewish and Israeli students have reported feeling intimidated by the protests, organizers—including Jewish student groups—argue that criticism of Israel is being unfairly equated with antisemitism.
University spokesperson Samantha Slater stated that Columbia remains committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring campus safety, adding that the institution will work with federal agencies to restore its funding. However, she did not confirm whether the university had been notified of which grants and contracts were impacted.
Political and Legal Ramifications
The Trump administration’s move is expected to face strong legal scrutiny. The New York Civil Liberties Union condemned the action as an unconstitutional misuse of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which allows federal investigations into discrimination at institutions receiving government funding.
“This is a blatant attempt to silence political speech and punish dissent,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman.
Jewish organizations offered mixed reactions. Columbia’s Hillel chapter welcomed the move as a wake-up call for university administrators, while J Street, a pro-Israel advocacy group, warned that the decision could stifle free speech and further complicate efforts to address antisemitism on campus.
The announcement marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s response to campus activism, setting the stage for a broader legal and political battle over free speech and academic independence in the United States.
