- Trump administration cuts $400M in federal funding to Columbia over antisemitism concerns.
- Columbia pledges to address the issue and work with the government to restore funding.
- University warns the decision will severely impact research, faculty, and student programs.
The Trump administration has announced the immediate withdrawal of $400 million (£310 million) in federal funding from Columbia University, citing the institution’s failure to combat antisemitism on campus.
In a joint statement, four federal agencies justified the decision by pointing to Columbia’s “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.” The New York-based university was at the centre of large-scale pro-Palestinian protests last year, with demonstrations opposing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and US support for Israel.
Earlier this week, President Trump had warned that universities allowing “illegal protests” could face funding cuts.
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US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon reinforced the administration’s stance, saying Jewish students subjected to “relentless violence, intimidation, and antisemitic harassment” were “ignored” by Columbia’s leadership.
“Today, we send a clear message to Columbia and other universities: we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer,” she said in Friday’s statement.
A Columbia University spokesperson said that the institution is reviewing the funding cut and is committed to working with the government to address concerns.
“We take our legal obligations seriously, understand the gravity of this decision, and remain dedicated to combating antisemitism while ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff,” the spokesperson said.
Columbia, one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities, has around 30,000 students. Its Morningside Heights campus in Manhattan became a focal point for some of the most intense campus protests in the US last year over the war in Gaza.
In an internal email to the Columbia community, interim president Katrina Armstrong warned that the loss of federal funding would have immediate and severe consequences.
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“There is no question that the cancellation of these funds will immediately impact research and other critical functions of the university, affecting students, faculty, staff, research, and patient care,” Armstrong wrote, according to the New York Times.
The Israeli military launched its offensive against Hamas following an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 48,440 Palestinians have been killed in the subsequent Israeli military operations. A ceasefire agreement was reached in January, but the situation remains fragile after the expiration of its initial phase.
