Overview

• The Trump administration cited Columbia University's failure to protect Jewish students during 2024 pro-Palestinian protests as the reason for cutting $400 million in federal funding.
• Columbia has agreed to overhaul its protest policies, implement stricter security measures, and allow external oversight of its Middle East studies department in hopes of regaining the funding.
• The university faced significant political scrutiny after large-scale pro-Palestinian protests, including a protest camp and building occupation, took place on campus.
• Donald Trump's contentious history with Columbia stems from a failed 1990s real estate deal, where the university rejected his $400 million asking price for a Manhattan property valued at $65-90 million.
• Critics argue that Trump's long-standing grudge against Columbia and his administration's broader campaign against 'woke' institutions influenced the funding cuts.