Universities are playing ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ with Trump, but the game is rigged
Preview:
Columbia University agreed to pay roughly $220 million and adopt significant policy changes after the Trump administration threatened to withhold about $400 million in federal grants and contracts over allegations related to campus unrest and antisemitism, a deal that has alarmed many in higher education as a possible sign of federal overreach into academic independence. Critics say conditioning funding on specific reforms and data reporting requirements undermines institutional autonomy and could chill academic freedom, while supporters in the administration argue the changes promote accountability and civil discourse. The episode highlights tensions between federal power and university governance and raises questions about how far government can go in shaping campus priorities through funding threats.
Originally published: December 28, 2025
Author: David Wippman
Position: President Emeritus
Institution: Hamilton College
Published by: The Hill