Trump Promises Federal Funds to Combat Antisemitism at Columbia

In a recent development, Columbia University has come under scrutiny as the first institution targeted by former President Donald Trump in his initiative to withdraw federal funding from colleges accused of allowing antisemitism, particularly in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Federal entities are contemplating pausing $51 million in contracts with Columbia, as revealed in a recent announcement by the Education and Health and Human Services departments, alongside the General Services Administration. Moreover, the continued eligibility of Columbia to receive over $5 billion in federal grants is also being reevaluated.
Trump expressed through social media his intent to halt federal funding to any educational institution permitting what he termed as “illegal protests.” He indicated that offenders would face imprisonment or deportation, and American students participating in such actions would be expelled.
Newly-confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted on Monday that Columbia may have neglected its responsibility to shield Jewish students from discrimination, thus casting doubt on the university’s suitability for ongoing federal engagements.
In response, Columbia asserted their commitment to combatting antisemitism, stating that acts glorifying violence have no place at the university.
During his campaign, Trump had pledged to withdraw federal support from institutions failing to address antisemitism and to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. He directed federal bodies to employ all legal means to counter campus antisemitism, including expelling foreign nationals considered security threats.
Columbia is among five institutions recently investigated for antisemitism following Trump’s directive. A task force is examining ten such colleges to verify claims of inadequate protection for Jewish students. Other universities under investigation include the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, and Portland State University.
The evaluation of Columbia’s federal grants will determine if Title VI of the Civil Rights Act—prohibiting discrimination based on race or national origin—has been violated. Infractions of federal civil rights laws could theoretically result in penalties, including complete federal funding loss, albeit such measures are rarely enforced.
Joseph Howley, a classics professor at Columbia supportive of pro-Palestinian student protests, warned against altering university policies in reaction to what he called predictable threats from the Trump administration.
“The MAGA-Trump movement’s disdain for universities is evident, and they intend to cut our funding regardless,” Howley remarked.
Under President Joe Biden, the Education Department initiated over 100 investigations regarding antisemitism and Islamophobia following a Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Some institutions hastened to settle allegations before Biden’s departure, drawing criticism from Republicans who felt the measures fell short.
Columbia had been a focal point for student protests that proliferated across U.S. campuses last spring. Pro-Palestinian activists established a camp in April that sparked similar demonstrations nationwide. In one dramatic instance, protesters seized a university building, leading to multiple arrests after law enforcement intervened.
Recently, an incident involving protesters pushing into a Columbia building culminated in an assault on a staff member, prompting warnings from university officials about further actions to ensure campus safety.
The unrest at Columbia was a factor in last year’s resignation of then-President Minouche Shafik. She was one of several university leaders summoned by Republicans in congressional hearings addressing campus antisemitism, where they were criticized for insufficient disciplinary measures.
These proceedings also contributed to leadership changes at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania.
A report coordinated by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted numerous campus antisemitism cases across the nation, specifically citing Columbia, Harvard, and the University of California, Los Angeles. It urged the government to enforce civil rights laws rigorously, suggesting that institutions failing to combat antisemitism should face financial consequences.