President Donald Trump has warned that colleges and universities allowing “illegal protests” will lose federal funding.
His statement comes amid growing tensions over campus demonstrations, particularly those related to Israel’s war in Gaza.
Colleges allowing “illegal protests” will lose federal funding. Non-citizen protesters could be deported, while American students may face expulsion or arrest. Protests must not involve “masks,” implying restrictions on anonymity.
Trump’s administration is reviewing federal contracts with Columbia University over allegations of anti-Semitism.
Trump has previously threatened to cut funding for:
Schools promoting gender and race teachings he opposes.
Institutions allowing transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
Colleges enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
He has also floated defunding the Department of Education entirely, giving states full control over school policies.
Columbia University is under Scrutiny. The U.S. government is considering cutting over $50 million in contracts with Columbia University.
The reason being allegations that the school failed to protect Jewish students from harassment.
Trump’s administration recently formed a task force to combat anti-Semitism in schools.
Trump could use federal funding as leverage over schools, reshaping protest policies on campuses.
The debate over free speech, student activism, and government control in education is likely to intensify.