In a stark warning issued on March 4, 2025, via Truth Social, President Trump declared that "All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests."12 This warning extends beyond financial consequences, outlining severe punishments for protesters:

• Non-U.S. citizens face imprisonment or deportation

• American students risk permanent expulsion or arrest, "depending on the crime"

• A ban on masks during demonstrations was emphasized12

The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of institutions like Columbia University, which risks losing over $50 million in federal contracts for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, part of Trump's newly formed task force on campus anti-Semitism, reinforced the administration's stance, questioning whether schools failing to protect all students should continue receiving government support12.

Three federal agencies - the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and U.S. General Services Administration - announced a comprehensive review of Columbia University's contracts and grants, totaling over $5 billion, due to the institution's alleged failure to protect Jewish students from harassment12. This action follows a series of antisemitic incidents on campus, including protests that disrupted classes and targeted Jewish students13.

The review, part of President Trump's task force to combat antisemitism, could potentially terminate over $50 million in federal contracts with Columbia4. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized that institutions receiving federal funds must protect all students from discrimination, questioning Columbia's fitness to continue its relationship with the U.S. government25. In response, Columbia University affirmed its commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring campus safety, while expressing willingness to work with the federal administration on this issue13.

On January 29, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order titled "Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism," marking a significant expansion of federal efforts against anti-Semitic acts in the U.S.12 Building on Executive Order 13899 from his first term, this directive responds to the surge in anti-Semitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. It mandates federal agencies to identify and utilize all civil and criminal tools to address anti-Semitic harassment and violence, particularly in higher education institutions132.

Key measures include:

• Federal departments must submit reports within 60 days detailing legal actions to combat anti-Semitism, with a focus on campus-related incidents12.

• The Department of Justice is tasked with investigating and prosecuting anti-Semitic acts, including vandalism and intimidation at universities42.

• Universities are encouraged to monitor and report activities by international students that may violate admissibility laws under 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(3), potentially leading to visa cancellations or deportations5.

• The order emphasizes accountability for institutions failing to protect Jewish students, signaling potential consequences for non-compliance63.

This initiative reflects a heightened federal commitment to addressing anti-Semitism across campuses and beyond12.