Trump’s administration is tightening the financial screws on Columbia University as it slashes millions more in federal grants. The move follows weeks of controversy surrounding the Ivy League institution’s handling of campus antisemitism. Trump told them if they don’t comply, they’d lose even more – and he’s following through.
At a glance:
• The Trump administration cut an additional $30 million in Department of Health and Human Services grants to Columbia University
• This follows a previous cancellation of $400 million in grants and contracts to the university
• Officials are reviewing Columbia’s total $5 billion in federal funding
• Jeanine D’Armiento, Chairwoman of the University Senate Executive Committee, lost $2 million in research grants
• The funding cuts come amid criticism of Columbia’s response to campus antisemitism and alleged links to terrorism
Trump Administration Doubles Down on Columbia University Funding Cuts
The Trump administration has cut an additional $30 million in grants to Columbia University from the Department of Health and Human Services. This latest financial blow comes just weeks after officials canceled $400 million in grants and contracts to the prestigious Ivy League institution over the school’s ongoing antisemitism crisis.
Among those directly impacted is Jeanine D’Armiento, Chairwoman of the University Senate Executive Committee, who saw $2 million in cuts to grants supporting her research work. The administration’s actions signal a significant shift in how federal dollars are allocated to universities under scrutiny.
“The administration is in the process of reviewing the totality of Columbia’s $5 billion in federal funding, and the fresh round of cuts comes on the heels of the administration’s decision to cancel $400 million in grants and contracts to the Ivy League school announced earlier this month,” reported Eliana Johnson for the Washington Free Beacon. The comprehensive review suggests more funding reductions could be forthcoming as the administration reevaluates Columbia’s federal support.
Senator Marco Rubio has been vocal in his criticism of Columbia University, specifically calling out alleged links to terrorism. The Republican lawmaker singled out Mahmoud Khalil in his statements against the university, adding to the pressure from conservative lawmakers.
Broader Implications for Federal Academic Funding
The funding cuts to Columbia represent a significant shift in how the Trump administration approaches federal support for academic institutions. Critics see the move as accountability for universities that have failed to address antisemitism, while supporters of Columbia express concern about the impact on research and education.
But they wouldn’t have to worry about it if they didn’t let antisemites run riot on their campus…
The administration’s actions come as part of a broader conservative critique of elite universities and their handling of campus protests following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Columbia became a focal point after protesters established encampments on campus and reports emerged of Jewish students facing harassment.
The financial pressure on Columbia also comes as a new NBC News poll shows the Democratic Party’s popularity at an all-time low, with only 27% of registered voters viewing it positively.
