First on FOX: The Trump administration announced Friday that it would withdraw more than $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University, citing concerns over rising anti-Semitism on campus and its failure to address it.
Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Education (DOED), and the U.S. General Services Agency (GSA) announced the launch of a “comprehensive review” of more than $5 billion federal grants to Columbia in light of continuing investigation into potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act related to antisensitivity on campus.
It's only four days since the Trump administration released this review, but the agency has already begun cutting funds. A familiar source who requested that he remain anonymous says more than $400 million in federal grants from HHS will be revoked from Colombia as a result of allegedly continuing anti-Semitism on campus.
Fox News' Anti-Semitism Exposed News Newsletter: Professor Stands on Colombia's Tolerance of Hate
Additional federal funds could be withdrawn as Columbia's grant review continues, a source familiar with the review said.
Protesters held on Columbia University's campus in April 2024 to raise the Palestinian flag to support protest camps supporting Palestinians, but a 2pm deadline was issued by university officials. (Reuters/David Diedelgado)
The university faced ongoing anti-Israel protests reminiscent of a student camp enveloping Colombia this week, then faced campuses across the country after Hamas attacked innocent Israelis on October 7, 2023.
Trump administration's education secretary, Linda McMahon, visited campus Friday to meet with university leaders to discuss ongoing concerns related to anti-Semitism.
There is a “double standard” for anti-Semitism in universities and Hollywood. Sheila Nazarian
“Americans have been watching in fear for over a year as Jewish students are being assaulted and harassed on elite university campuses. It is repeated by anti-Semitic students and agitators. Illegal camps and demonstrations are robbing Jewish students who have completely paralyzed their daily campus operations and deprived them of learning opportunities.
Linda McMahon will speak at the Republican National Convention ahead of Trump's election victory and her ultimate nomination to lead the Department of Education. (Reuters/Mike Segar)
“Institutions receiving federal funds are responsible for protecting all students from discrimination. Failure to support the end of this basic agreement in Colombia raises very serious questions about the institution's fitness to continue business with the US government.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
The move to significantly cut the $400 million grant funding to Columbia calls for President Donald Trump's executive order, particularly anti-Semitism crackdowns on university campuses. As part of EOS, the Trump administration has established a multi-agency task force to combat anti-Semitism, with its first major lawsuit being a review of Columbia grants.
“We are pledged to consider announcements from federal agencies and work with the federal government to restore federal funds in Columbia,” a Columbia spokesman said in a statement. “We take Colombia's legal obligations seriously, understand how serious this announcement is, and are committed to combating anti-Semitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.”
