Trump Claims American Campus 'Agitators' Will Face Expulsion or Imprisonment for 'Illegal' Protests

In his latest Truth Social post, former President Donald Trump turned his focus to U.S. college campuses, claiming Tuesday that so-called "agitators" involved in "illegal" protests will face severe consequences, including permanent expulsion or even imprisonment. He also warned that federal funding would be completely cut off for schools allowing such demonstrations.

Trump’s post declared, "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 the crime, arrested. NO MASKS! Thank you for your attention to this matter." Despite his fiery rhetoric, Trump provided no details on how such measures would be enforced or what defines an "illegal" protest.

His statement arrives amid a wave of anti-Israel protests across the U.S., particularly on college campuses, following the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, which escalated after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, leaving approximately 1,200 dead. The national conversation has intensified as higher education institutions grapple with balancing free speech and campus safety.

Recently, disciplinary actions at Barnard College in New York City have drawn attention. Two students were expelled, and another was suspended for their involvement in breaking into Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall last year. Barnard, part of Columbia University’s education system, took further action against two more students who disrupted a class on the History of Modern Israel. These individuals, reportedly disguised with headscarves, scattered antisemitic pamphlets in the classroom.

While the school declined to comment on individual disciplinary cases, a statement from Barnard’s president emphasized their commitment to doing "what is right, not what is easy." However, Jewish students at Barnard have criticized the institution’s response, labeling it insufficient. "I thought their words were a little lackluster," said freshman Shoshana Aufzien during a recent interview. "I’m not looking for lip service. I want action."

The tension spotlights the ongoing debate over how universities should navigate politically charged protests without compromising student safety or stifling free expression. For now, Trump’s bold declarations have added another layer of controversy to an already heated national issue.