The Trump administration on Friday said that it would cancel approximately $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University ‘due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.’
United States | The Trump administration announced the immediate cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students. pic.twitter.com/fKV140AB6e
— ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025
According to AP, the notice came five days after federal agencies announced they were considering orders to stop work on $51 million in contracts with the New York City university and reviewing its eligibility for over $5 billion in federal grants going forward. And it came after Columbia set up a new disciplinary committee and ramped up its own investigations into students critical of Israel, alarming free speech advocates.
A statement from Office of Public Affairs, US departemnt of Justice reads, “Today, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education (ED), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the immediate cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students. These cancellations represent the first round of action and additional cancellations are expected to follow.”
It further added, “The Task Force is continuing to review and coordinate across federal agencies to identify additional cancellations that could be made swiftly. DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA are taking this action as members of the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. Columbia University currently holds more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments.”
What Education Secretary Linda McMahon said:
In a statement released on Friday, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said, “Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus.”
Later, she posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Had a productive meeting with Columbia’s interim president Katrina Armstrong today. Look forward to working together to protect all students on their campus. The Trump Administration will not allow the continued harassment and threats of violence against students.”
Had a productive meeting with Columbia’s interim president Katrina Armstrong today. Look forward to working together to protect all students on their campus.
The Trump Administration will not allow the continued harassment and threats of violence against students. https://t.co/FL3YqiQWcD
— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) March 7, 2025
Columbia has become the first target in Trump’s campaign to cut federal money to colleges accused of tolerating antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023.
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