Heavy blow for Columbia University: Donald Trump cuts $400 million in funding, accusing lack of action against anti-Semitism

Saturday, March 8, 2025, New York, USA 🇺🇸

SENIOR AUTHOR: PRINCE ANDREI RAȚIU

The Trump administration announced on Friday the “immediate cancellation” of $400 million in federal grants for the private Columbia University in New York, which it accuses of inaction in the face of anti-Semitic acts on its campus.

The decision, revealed in a press release, cites the administration’s dissatisfaction with the university’s handling of alleged anti-Semitic incidents on campus.

The administration’s statement explicitly accuses Columbia of failing to take decisive action against what it describes as a pervasive climate of anti-Semitism. Officials point to specific incidents and student protests that they believe crossed the line into discriminatory behavior. The funding cut, representing a substantial portion of Columbia’s research grants and federal program support, is intended to pressure the university to implement stricter measures to combat anti-Semitism.

Columbia University has released a statement expressing its disappointment with the administration’s decision. University officials maintain that they are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students and faculty, and that they have taken steps to address concerns about anti-Semitism. They also state that the funding cut will severely impact ongoing research projects and student support programs.

The move has sparked widespread debate, with some praising the administration’s stance against anti-Semitism and others criticizing it as an overreach that could stifle academic freedom. Legal experts are now analyzing the implications of the funding cut, and it is anticipated that Columbia University may pursue legal action to challenge the decision.

The long-term effects of this financial blow on Columbia’s academic programs and research initiatives remain to be seen.

“These cancellations represent the first round of actions. Other cancellations are expected to follow,” four federal agencies wrote in a statement, denouncing “inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.”

The Republican president has targeted universities throughout his campaign, denouncing their inaction in the face of pro-Palestinian student demonstrations that have rocked American campuses in protest of Israel’s war in Gaza.

“Since October 7th (2023), Jewish students have faced unrelenting violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses – and have been ignored by those who should be protecting them,” wrote Education Secretary Linda McMahon, newly confirmed to the position by the Senate.

Columbia University had become the epicenter of demonstrations against the Israeli bombing of Gaza and the Biden administration’s support for Israel. At the request of its president, who has since resigned, New York City police forcibly removed several dozen activists and students on April 30, 2024, and the main graduation ceremony was canceled in the face of continuing tensions.

The president of Columbia University was accused of not being strong enough to combat comments or actions targeting Jewish students, and of not being tough enough on pro-Palestinian student groups.

Senior Author: Prince Andrei Rațiu – New York City, USA 🇺🇲

– Honorary member of the Fine Artists Union Ark Principal in New York since 1997, Fashion designer & award winning fine artist,

– Graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in the departments of easel painting and fashion design with two master’s degrees, the first in aesthetics on the topic of “History of Beauty and Ugliness” and the second master’s degree in art history and philosophy of culture,

– Expert Consultant in International Politics at IBMI – International Business Management Institute in Berlin, Germany,

– Business and Human Rights Consultant at USIDHR – US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights in Washington DC,

– “A 2021 AMERICAN PATRIOT OF THE YEAR IN NEW YORK”– Diploma of recognition awarded by Faith and Freedom Coalition, Georgia, USA, signed by Dr. Ralph Reed who is Founder and President, Member of the US Council for National Policy