President Trump announced Tuesday that his administration will cut federal funding to colleges and universities that allow “illegal protests”, escalating efforts to curb demonstrations on campuses. In a Truth Social post, he stated that agitators will face deportation or imprisonment, while American students involved could be expelled or arrested depending on the crime.
The announcement follows a Monday joint release from the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and General Services Administration, which pledged to end antisemitic harassment on campuses. The agencies specifically cited Columbia University, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied a building last year, for a review of over $51 million in federal contracts under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Under the new policies, the administration has signaled that blocking campus entrances, vandalizing buildings, and disrupting classes will be considered illegal activities subject to criminal charges. Trump also called for a ban on masks at protests, arguing they enable acts of violence and intimidation.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that antisemitic demonstrations have “paralyzed day-to-day campus operations” and deprived Jewish students of learning opportunities. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likened antisemitism to racism, calling it a “moral and spiritual disease” that has spread in academic institutions.
Trump’s Jan. 29 executive order, “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism,” laid the groundwork for these actions. It directs federal agencies to monitor and report foreign students or staff involved in antisemitic activities and allows for the removal of international students participating in protests.
Critics argue that such policies could infringe on First Amendment rights, as campus protests have long been part of American political expression. However, Trump maintains that these measures are necessary to restore order and ensure campus safety.
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