Trump administration cancels $400 million in federal grants for Columbia University over failure to address anti-Semitism

On Friday, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University. The decision was made due to what the administration described as the university’s continued failure to address harassment and anti-Semitic violence directed at Jewish students. Education Secretary Linda McMahon explained that Columbia had neglected its legal obligation to protect Jewish students under federal antidiscrimination laws, particularly following the events of October 7, when Jewish students faced significant harassment.

This dramatic decision follows a review process initiated by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which includes staff from the Justice Department, Health and Human Services, Education Department, and the U.S. General Services Administration.

Following the announcement, Columbia University expressed its commitment to working with the Trump administration to restore the lost federal funding. The university acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and reaffirmed its dedication to addressing anti-Semitism on campus. Columbia’s spokesperson indicated that the school would engage with federal agencies to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of its students, faculty, and staff.

In a statement, Columbia’s interim president Katrina Armstrong emphasized that the university takes its legal obligations seriously, and the administration is actively reviewing the situation to take corrective action.

The controversy surrounding Columbia University has been escalating since October 7, 2023, when pro-Palestinian protests erupted on campuses across the U.S. following the Hamas attack on Israel. These protests, some of which included anti-Semitic rhetoric, were met with criticism from various quarters, including both Republicans and members of the Biden administration.

The Trump administration’s move to cancel funding is part of a broader effort to combat what it perceives as a rise in anti-Semitism on college campuses. The administration has been vocal in its stance against what it sees as the tolerance of anti-Semitic behavior, particularly in the wake of protests related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The cancellation of Columbia's federal grants is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Trump administration to address anti-Semitism. Leo Terrell, senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights, stressed that this move was just the beginning of the administration’s response to the rise in anti-Semitic incidents.

Republicans have long criticized universities for allowing pro-Palestinian protests, particularly those they see as linked to anti-Semitic sentiments. Former President Donald Trump himself has referred to these protesters as "pro-Hamas radicals," while also advocating for their deportation. The controversy also ties into broader political tensions surrounding universities and their handling of sensitive issues related to race, religion, and free speech.

This move by the Trump administration is poised to be a significant moment in the ongoing debates about campus free speech, anti-Semitism, and the balance between federal funding and institutional responsibility.