Trump Threatens Federal Funding Cuts for Schools Allowing Protests

The president's social media post targets student demonstrations, raising constitutional concerns over free speech and assembly rights.

President Donald Trump announced plans to cut federal funding to schools and universities that permit what he described as 'illegal protests,' without clarifying what constitutes such protests.
Trump's statement also included threats to arrest, deport, or expel protest participants, along with a ban on the use of masks during demonstrations.
Legal experts and civil rights organizations criticized the move as unconstitutional, citing First Amendment protections for peaceful protests and free speech.
The announcement follows rising student-led demonstrations against anti-LGBTQ+ policies, book bans, and restrictions on gender-affirming care, as well as pro-Palestinian protests on campuses.
Free speech advocates warned that the threat of losing federal funding could lead to preemptive censorship by schools, chilling lawful political expression on campuses.