U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to schools and universities, stating that institutions allowing what he calls “illegal protests” could face a complete withdrawal of federal funding.
This marks his latest effort to reshape the country’s education policies, adding to previous threats related to teachings on gender and race, COVID-19 mandates, and transgender athletes in women’s sports.
“All federal funding will STOP for any college, school, or university that allows illegal protests,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform Tuesday.
He also warned that agitators would face imprisonment or deportation, while American students engaging in such protests could be permanently expelled or even arrested, depending on the severity of their actions.
READ ALSO: Euro Rallies Amid German Debt Reform Plans and Prospective U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal
Trump has long expressed his desire to overhaul the U.S. education system, even proposing to dismantle the Department of Education entirely and return curriculum control to individual states.
His latest statement follows months of controversy surrounding student-led demonstrations, particularly those opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. These protests have led to accusations of anti-Semitism and raised concerns about campus safety.
The debate over campus protests has also drawn the federal government’s attention to New York’s Columbia University. On Monday, officials announced they were considering revoking over $50 million in government contracts with the Ivy League institution, citing alleged failures to protect Jewish students.
READ ALSO: Zelensky Seeks to Mend Ties with Trump Amid U.S. Aid Freeze
Columbia found itself at the heart of heated congressional hearings last year, where university leaders faced tough questions about their handling of anti-Semitism allegations.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the administration’s stance: “Americans have watched in horror for more than a year now, as Jewish students have been assaulted and harassed on elite university campuses. Schools receiving federal funds have a responsibility to protect all students.”
Trump’s latest move underscores his broader vision for reshaping education in the U.S. His administration recently established a task force to combat anti-Semitism in schools, which is actively reviewing federal grants to institutions like Columbia.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.