In a major financial blow to Columbia University, President Donald Trump has pulled $400 million in federal funding from the institution, citing its failure to address ongoing anti-Israel protests and alleged harassment of Jewish students.
The decision marks only the first wave of funding cuts, with the administration warning that more reductions are on the way unless significant changes are made.
White House Takes a Firm Stand
Trump’s administration made it clear that the move was a direct response to what it described as Columbia’s “continued inaction” in protecting Jewish students from hostility on campus.
“Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses – only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
“Universities must comply with all federal anti-discrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding.”
Trump Condemns Campus Demonstrations
The timing of the announcement aligns with recent incidents at Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia, where protests escalated into violence.
A group of over 50 students reportedly occupied a campus building and physically attacked a staff member, who was later hospitalized.
Taking to social media, Trump issued a stern warning: “Agitators will be imprisoned or permanently sent back to the country from which they came.
American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!”
Federal Task Force Takes Action
The Trump administration also stated that its Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is actively reviewing Columbia’s federal contracts and grants.
This multi-agency group includes officials from the Department of Justice, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
According to White House officials, Columbia’s acting president was notified on Monday that the university’s federal funding was under review due to an ongoing civil rights investigation.
The administration claims that Columbia has yet to respond to the inquiry.
In response, a university spokesperson told DailyMail.com that they are assessing the situation and are committed to working with federal authorities to restore the lost funding.
DOJ Warns of More Measures to Come
Leo Terrell, head of the DOJ Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, issued a strong statement emphasizing that the funding freeze is only the beginning.
“This is one of the tools we are using to respond to this spike in anti-Semitism. This is only the beginning.”
Federal agencies, including GSA and HHS, are expected to follow up with immediate stop-work orders on existing grants and contracts, effectively cutting off Columbia’s access to federal funds.
State Department Cracks Down on Foreign Students
Beyond the funding cuts, the Trump administration is also taking action against foreign students who have expressed support for Hamas.
Senator Marco Rubio has directed the State Department to launch a new review process using artificial intelligence (AI) to examine social media activity and news articles related to student protests.
The initiative, known as “Catch and Revoke,” will scan the online behavior of foreign student visa holders to identify those who may have voiced support for Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
A State Department official told Axios that the program has already reviewed 100,000 individuals in the Student Exchange Visitor System.
“We found literally zero visa revocations during the Biden administration,” the official claimed, suggesting that the Trump White House is taking a much more aggressive approach.
Columbia at the Center of a National Debate
Columbia University, known for its history of student activism, has become a focal point in the national conversation about free speech, campus protests, and government intervention.
While the administration frames its actions as a necessary step to protect Jewish students, critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for federal interference in higher education.
As the situation unfolds, the impact of these funding cuts—and potential additional measures—will be closely watched by universities, policymakers, and student groups across the country.