The Trump administration's recent decision to pause federal funding for several Ivy League universities has sent shockwaves through the education sector. The move is part of a broader effort by the White House to influence campus policy through grant funding, which has led to cuts at institutions like Columbia University.
Columbia University lost $400 million in federal funding after failing to ensure Jewish students felt safe on campus. This decision was made following an investigation into antisemitism on campus and serves as a warning to other universities that may be facing similar scrutiny. The Education Department had previously warned over 60 universities about potential enforcement actions if they fail to protect Jewish students.
Harvard's nearly $9 billion in federal grants and contracts are also under review by a federal antisemitism task force amid an ongoing investigation into campus antisemitism. The White House has confirmed a funding pause for several universities, including Cornell and Northwestern, without providing details on the affected grants or what triggered the move.
President Donald Trump has suspended federal funding for nearly every Ivy League university, except Penn and Dartmouth, due to these investigations.