Trump Freezes Cornell, Northwestern Funding

The Donald Trump administration has frozen over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and approximately $790 million for Northwestern University, citing ongoing investigations into alleged civil rights violations related to antisemitism on their campuses. This action is part of a broader effort by the Donald Trump administration to use federal grants to influence campus policies, following similar measures against Columbia University, Harvard University, and Princeton University. The funding cuts, primarily from departments like Defense, Education, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services, jeopardize critical research, including projects vital to national defense and medical advancements. Both Cornell University and Northwestern University have acknowledged media reports but stated they have not received official notifications from the federal government. Legal experts are questioning the legality of these freezes, citing a lack of due process. The administration's actions stem from pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, which Donald Trump has labeled as antisemitic, a characterization disputed by many protesters and human rights advocates who raise concerns about free speech and academic freedom.