Trump cuts more than $400M in grants to Columbia University

President Donald Trump has decided to cut federal grants from Columbia University, Fox News reports.

Columbia University will be losing $400 million dollars in federal grants over their lack of action over the antisemitism concerns that have been growing on campus.

The Departments of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the U.S. General Services Administration all announced their plan to do a “comprehensive review” of the five billion dollars Columbia receives in federal grants “in light of ongoing investigations for potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.”

While the rolling total of grants that have been cut is currently $400 million, reports say that number could grow in the future as the investigation continues.

The Trump administration Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon has visited with leaders at the university to discuss the antisemitism concerns.

“Americans have watched in horror for more than a year now, as Jewish students have been assaulted and harassed on elite university campuses—repeatedly overrun by antisemitic students and agitators,” McMahon began.

“Unlawful encampments and demonstrations have completely paralyzed day-to-day campus operations, depriving Jewish students of learning opportunities to which they are entitled,” McMahon went on in the recent statement.

“Institutions that receive federal funds have a responsibility to protect all students from discrimination. Columbia’s apparent failure to uphold their end of this basic agreement raises very serious questions about the institution’s fitness to continue doing business with the United States government,” McMahon also said.

Columbia should not be surprised about the funding being cut, since the cut is directly in line with Trump’s promise to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses.

The grant cuts, however, seem to finally have Columbia University taking the concerns seriously.

Columbia University has released a statement on the matter.

A Columbia spokesperson also released a recent statement saying, “We are reviewing the announcement from the federal agencies and pledge to work with the federal government to restore Columbia’s federal funding.”

“We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff,” they continued.