The Trump administration has announced the cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the school’s failure to protect Jewish students from harassment.¹ This decision comes amid ongoing protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, which have sparked accusations of anti-Semitism on US campuses, including Columbia.
Four government agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and the U.S. General Services Administration, issued a joint statement announcing the cancellation of the funds. The agencies claim that Columbia University has not taken adequate action to address the harassment of Jewish students, despite receiving over $5 billion in federal grant commitments.
President Trump has been vocal about his intentions to cut funding for schools that allow “illegal protests,” and this move is seen as a follow-through on that threat. The administration has also announced the formation of a multi-agency task force to combat anti-Semitism, with a focus on rooting out harassment in schools and on college campuses.
Columbia University has responded to the announcement, stating that they are reviewing the decision and pledge to work with the federal government to restore their federal funding. The university has also emphasized its commitment to combating anti-Semitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.
The move has been met with criticism from some, including two New York congressmen who argue that the administration’s actions will undermine the academic futures of Jewish students rather than protecting them.
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