The Trump administration has halted over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and approximately $790 million for Northwestern University. This action is part of ongoing investigations into alleged civil rights violations, specifically concerning the treatment of Jewish students on campus.
The funding freeze affects grants and contracts from various federal departments, including Health, Education, Agriculture, and Defense. Cornell University reported receiving more than 75 stop-work orders from the Department of Defense related to research projects in national defense, cybersecurity, and health. However, both universities stated they have not received official confirmation regarding the total amount of funding being withheld.
Northwestern University emphasized the potential impact on critical research initiatives. A university spokesperson said, “Federal funds that Northwestern receives drive innovative and life-saving research—like the recent development by Northwestern researchers of the world’s smallest pacemaker, and research fueling the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. This type of research is now in jeopardy.”
The spokesperson expressed concern that this type of research is now at risk.
These actions are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address what it perceives as unchecked antisemitism on college campuses.
Last month, the Department of Education sent letters to over 60 universities, including Cornell and Northwestern, warning of potential enforcement actions if they failed to protect Jewish students adequately.
K–12 Schools Also Affected by Federal Funding Policies
In addition to higher education institutions, the Trump administration’s policies have extended to K–12 public schools. The Department of Education has threatened to withhold federal funds from public schools that have not eliminated DEI practices, marking another move by the government to enforce its anti-DEI crackdown.
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The long-term implications of these funding freezes remain uncertain. Universities are seeking more information from federal officials to understand the basis for these decisions and to determine the steps needed to address the government’s concerns.
As the situation develops, educational institutions across the country are closely monitoring the outcome, recognizing the potential impact on research, academic programs, and campus climate.
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