Trump keeps winning and all he is doing is using common sense.
Ivy League school under fire as federal crackdown on antisemitism triggers mass layoffs and policy reversals
Columbia University is facing a major backlash after the Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal funding over the school’s repeated failure to stop antisemitic harassment on campus. Now, nearly 180 staff members are being laid off—a direct consequence of the university’s inaction and mismanagement.
According to acting university president Claire Shipman, the layoffs affect about 20% of the employees tied to the canceled grants. “We’ve had to make difficult decisions across our research programs,” she said. “This is a deeply challenging time.”
Trump Administration Acts on Campus Antisemitism
In March, the Department of Justice, Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and General Services Administration revoked funding after finding that Columbia failed to protect Jewish students amid ongoing harassment tied to radicalized campus activism.
Columbia admitted the loss would impact research, education, staff, and patient care.
This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s firm stance on restoring law and order and demanding accountability from taxpayer-funded institutions.
Columbia Caves to Restore Federal Funds
In April, facing mounting pressure, Columbia University made several concessions to try and restore its funding:
- Banned the use of masks during protests to stop anonymous disruptions
- Expanded campus police authority to arrest students involved in unrest
- Appointed a senior administrator to oversee politically sensitive departments like Middle East and Palestine Studies
These changes come after widespread criticism that Ivy League schools have allowed extreme ideologies to fester under the guise of academic freedom—while ignoring student safety.
Financial Fallout and Uncertain Future
Despite these steps, Columbia’s leadership admits that discussions with the federal government are still ongoing. Layoffs, budget cuts, and restructuring may continue as the university struggles to adjust to the Trump administration’s enforcement of standards tied to federal funding.
“Increasing budget constraints combined with uncertainty around future research dollars require tough decisions,” Shipman said. “Our people are our greatest asset, and we understand this is devastating.”
Taxpayer Accountability Comes First
As elite universities face a reckoning, the Trump administration is making it clear: federal grants are not blank checks. Institutions that turn a blind eye to antisemitism or abuse taxpayer trust will be held responsible.
This latest development is a wake-up call for universities across America—shape up or lose funding.
