Trump Negotiating $200 Million Deal
Columbia University could soon hand over $200 million to the Trump administration in a massive settlement effort, following the loss of approximately $400 million in federal grants. The funding was slashed after the university’s controversial support for radical DEI programs and its failure to rein in anti-Israel protests on campus.
According to The Wall Street Journal, negotiations are underway between Columbia and federal officials — but no final agreement has been reached.
Trump Administration Cracks Down on Campus Extremism
Back in March, President Trump’s team pulled the plug on several federal contracts with Columbia, citing civil rights violations, pro-Hamas demonstrations, and divisive race-based hiring initiatives.
The crackdown reflects the administration’s broader push to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to promote radical ideology or tolerate anti-Semitic behavior on college campuses.
University Scrambles to Regain Favor — and Funding
Acting Columbia President Clair Shipman recently posted a video statement hinting at a deal in the works. She acknowledged that the university is seeking to rebuild its partnership with the federal government — while claiming it won’t surrender its independence.
“It’s essential to restore our research partnership with the government,” Shipman said. “But we must maintain our autonomy.”
She also admitted the government has every right to control how taxpayer funds are used — a striking shift in tone from previous university leadership.
Change Is Coming — But Is It Too Late?
Shipman admitted that Columbia has already begun to “change,” but emphasized the school won’t “capitulate.” Still, many observers wonder whether this is a genuine shift — or just a temporary public relations fix to restore funding.
“We’ve made progress,” Shipman said. “But we have more to do.”
As President Trump’s administration holds universities accountable, Columbia’s fate may become a landmark case in the fight to defend traditional American values — and restore accountability in higher education.
