President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday morning that his administration will cease federal funding to educational institutions permitting “illegal protests,” in response to recent anti-Israel demonstrations on campuses.
This directive was broadcasted via Truth Social, where Trump emphasized that ‘agitators’ would face imprisonment or deportation, while American students could face expulsion or arrest.
“All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests. Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on on [sic] the crime, arrested. NO MASKS! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
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The decision follows scrutiny of the nation’s colleges and universities, many of which have seen mass demonstrations following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. Columbia University is the latest to face accusations of antisemitism and alleged failure to protect Jewish students, with the administration considering cutting over $50 million in federal contracts with the university.
“Columbia is fully committed to combatting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, and we are resolute that calling for, promoting, or glorifying violence or terror has no place at our University,” the school stated.
Newly confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon reinforced the stance, stating that schools receiving federal funds are responsible for safeguarding all students.
“Unlawful encampments and demonstrations have completely paralyzed day-to-day campus operations, depriving Jewish students of learning opportunities to which they are entitled,” she said in a statement.
This move is part of Trump’s broader strategy against “woke” policies in education, which previously included threats to defund institutions over diversity programs and COVID-19 mandates.
Trump’s declaration did not specify what constitutes an “illegal protest,” creating ambiguity around the policy’s implementation.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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