President Trump’s administration took swift action in its first 100 days, canceling to Columbia University over its failure to address anti-Semitic harassment on campus. This move underscores the administration’s aggressive stance on enforcing civil rights protections and reshaping federal priorities.
### Defunding Columbia Over Anti-Semitism
– : Four federal agencies—DOJ, HHS, Education, and GSA—halted $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia, citing its “shameful inaction” to protect Jewish students. The administration warned this is the in a broader review, with Columbia holding over $5 billion in federal grants at risk.
– : The Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism launched the probe after Columbia ignored warnings to address campus chaos, including protests and harassment targeting Jewish students.
– : Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused Columbia of abandoning its legal obligations, stating, “We will not tolerate appalling inaction any longer”. DOJ’s Leo Terrell called the funding freeze a “strongest signal yet” that taxpayer dollars won’t support institutions failing to protect Jewish students.
### Trump’s 100-Day Momentum
The Columbia decision aligns with the of Trump’s second term:
1. : A top priority includes finishing the border wall and executing mass deportations.
2. : Targeting climate legislation and gender ideology in sports/schools.
3. : Accelerated efforts to fire non-compliant employees and slash regulations.
### Broader Implications
– : The administration warned other universities that federal funding hinges on compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
– : Actions like defunding Columbia and banning “gender ideology extremism” reflect a focus on cultural battles, energizing Trump’s base.
Columbia pledged to “work with the government” to restore funding, but the administration shows no signs of backing down. This clash highlights Trump’s to leveraging federal power to advance his agenda—a hallmark of his second-term strategy.
