Trump cuts funding for Columbia University over antisemitism concerns

When Trump was running for office, he did not hide the fact he wanted to root out antisemitism on our college campuses.

Trump just delivered on that promise, pulling back hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to Columbia University.

Trump Vows to Cut Federal Funding Over ‘Illegal Protests’

Last week, Trump followed through on a campaign promise, making it clear that he would cut federal funding to schools allowing “illegal protests” and that he would expel demonstrators when possible.

On Truth Social, Trump posted, “Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came.”

American Civil Liberties Union Legal Director Cecillia Wang objected to the new policy, stating, “It is disturbing to see the White House threatening freedom of speech and academic freedom on U.S. college campuses so blatantly. We stand in solidarity with university leaders in their commitment to free speech, open debate and peaceful dissent on campus.

“Trump’s latest coercion campaign, attempting to turn university administrators against their own students and faculty, harkens back to the McCarthy era and is at odds with American constitutional values and the basic mission of universities.”

Trump Cuts Columbia Grants

Columbia University has been at the heart of these protests, with Jewish students on campus openly expressing their concerns for their safety. Trump’s newly confirmed Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, visited the campus on Friday to discuss ongoing concerns.

McMahon stated, "Americans have watched in horror for more than a year now, as Jewish students have been assaulted and harassed on elite university campuses—repeatedly overrun by antisemitic students and agitators. Unlawful encampments and demonstrations have completely paralyzed day-to-day campus operations, depriving Jewish students of learning opportunities to which they are entitled.”

The big news, however, was that the school was losing about $400 million in grants, with McMahon stating, "Institutions that receive federal funds have a responsibility to protect all students from discrimination. Columbia’s apparent failure to uphold their end of this basic agreement raises very serious questions about the institution’s fitness to continue doing business with the United States government."

Columbia University responded, "We are reviewing the announcement from the federal agencies and pledge to work with the federal government to restore Columbia’s federal funding. We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff."

Fetterman Appears to Support Cuts

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has been an open supporter for Israel during its conflict with Hamas, often in conflict with the Democrat Party line on the matter.

He just stepped forward to support the cuts by Trump, so he will likely be at odds with his party member again.

Fetterman stated, “Columbia let antisemitism run amok to cater to lunatic fringe and paid provocateurs. Leadership allowed those assholes to take over the campus and terrorize Jewish students. Now, Columbia pays for its failure and I support that.”

I am all for these cuts as well. Jewish students should not have to live in fear on campus, not to mention how these protests are illegally blocking access to classes for some students. I have also seen reports that in some cases, the protesters are not even students, which equates to trespassing, hence being illegal. Lock them up, end the funding, and let’s see how schools suddenly being to worry about the safety of Jewish students and allowing outsiders to tie up the campus.