Columbia University Yields to Trump Administration Over Revoked $400M Federal Funding

Columbia University has agreed to a series of measures requested by the Trump administration in a bid to regain access to $400 million in federal funding that was recently revoked over concerns about how the university handles antisemitism on campus.

Among the changes, Columbia will now ban the use of masks to conceal identities, grant new arrest powers to 36 campus police officers, and appoint a senior vice provost to oversee the Department of Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies, as well as the Center for Palestine Studies. However, sources close to the negotiations have indicated that these measures are merely prerequisites to reopening discussions about the funding, not guarantees of its return.

In a letter to the Columbia community, interim president Katrina Armstrong addressed the situation, stating that the agreement reflects the university's efforts over the past academic year. She wrote, "The way Columbia and Columbians have been portrayed is hard to reckon with. We have challenges, yes, but they do not define us. We teach the brightest, most creative students in the world, and we care deeply for each and every one of them. I have every faith in our ability to overcome the greatest of challenges. We stand resilient and brilliant."

The university has been at the center of controversy following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which sparked anti-Israel protests on campus. These demonstrations involved students, outsiders, and faculty, and at times escalated into clashes with police and the occupation of campus buildings. Jewish students, meanwhile, have raised concerns about rising antisemitism, harassment, and disruptions caused by protestors during this period.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration took the dramatic step of rescinding $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia, citing its failure to address antisemitic incidents effectively. Education Secretary Linda McMahon commented, "Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses – only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them. Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer."

Columbia's concessions come amid a broader federal investigation into antisemitism at higher education institutions, with over 60 universities currently under scrutiny.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Columbia for further comment, though additional statements from the university have yet to be released.