By Gill Bikram Singh 
The Trump administration has announced the immediate withdrawal of $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing the institution’s failure to adequately address antisemitism on campus.
Government Justification for Funding Cut
In a joint statement, four federal agencies stated that Columbia had shown “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized that Jewish students had faced “relentless violence, intimidation, and antisemitic harassment” without sufficient intervention from university authorities.
“Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer,” McMahon declared.
The decision follows President Trump’s recent warning to schools and universities that allow “illegal protests” on campus, particularly those related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Columbia University Responds
A spokesperson for Columbia University stated that the institution is reviewing the government’s decision and pledged to work toward restoring federal funding.
“We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is. We are committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff,” the spokesperson said.
The university, one of the most prestigious in the U.S., relies heavily on federal funding. In the 2024 fiscal year, government grants accounted for $1.3 billion of its annual revenue. Interim President Katrina Armstrong acknowledged the impact of the funding loss, warning in an email to students and staff that it would affect research, faculty, and patient care.
Background and Controversy
Columbia has been a focal point for pro-Palestinian protests, particularly in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Demonstrations intensified in 2023 and 2024, with students taking over Hamilton Hall and renaming it ‘Hind’s Hall’ in memory of a Palestinian child killed in Gaza.
The protests led to the resignation of Columbia President Minouche Shafik in August 2024, marking the third departure of an Ivy League leader over their handling of campus demonstrations.
The decision to pull federal funding has sparked debate. New York Civil Liberties Union director Donna Lieberman condemned the move, calling it an attempt to “coerce colleges and universities into censoring student speech and advocacy that isn’t Maga-approved.”
Meanwhile, Jewish student groups welcomed the funding cut, with student Brian Cohen stating it should serve as “a wake-up call” for Columbia’s administration to take antisemitism more seriously.
What’s Next?
The loss of federal funding will have immediate financial implications for Columbia, affecting research programs, student aid, and other university functions. The institution is expected to engage with the federal government to negotiate potential reinstatement of funding while facing ongoing campus tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict.