Trump Administration Cancels $400 Million in Grants to Columbia University Over Protests.

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has rescinded $400 million in grants to Columbia University due to the university's response to pro-Palestinian protests that occurred last year. The government issued demands that Columbia expel students involved in the demonstrations, a directive that the university complied with. This decision by the administration has left numerous medical and scientific studies at Columbia in limbo, as critical funding remains frozen. Columbia, with one of the largest university endowments in the U.S. at $14.8 billion, faces pressure to fill this financial void using its own resources. Critics argue that reliance on endowment funds, often restricted by donor intentions, could be unwise and might affect long-term financial health, echoing concerns by experts about the balance between immediate fiscal needs and future stability. Meanwhile, the broader context of the Trump administration’s actions points to an overarching agenda aimed at targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as a specific focus on deporting pro-Palestinian international scholars. The administration’s assault on higher education is seen to extend beyond merely financial measures, with many university bodies, labor unions, and education professionals rallying against these actions. Lawsuits have been filed, and unions are planning additional mobilizations to counteract funding cuts and policy changes. This scenario is painted as a critical moment of resistance against a perceived authoritarian attack on higher education. The ongoing conflict underscores the significant political and economic pressures facing American universities today, which must navigate political edicts while striving to maintain academic freedom and financial stability.