Washington: The U.S. government has halted over $1 billion in federal funding to Cornell University and nearly $790 million to Northwestern University, citing ongoing investigations into possible civil rights violations, according to a White House announcement late Tuesday.
This marks the latest move by the Trump administration, which has recently increased pressure on academic institutions over issues including pro-Palestinian demonstrations, diversity and inclusion programs, and policies regarding transgender students. The funding freeze affects grants and contracts mainly tied to federal departments such as Health, Education, Agriculture, and Defense, according to Reuters.
Cornell University confirmed receiving more than 75 stop-work orders from the Department of Defense on Tuesday, impacting crucial research in national defense, cybersecurity, and public health. However, the university has not yet received any official confirmation regarding the full $1 billion figure. Cornell leadership, including President Michael I. Kotlikoff, stated they are actively seeking clarification from federal authorities.
Northwestern University acknowledged the reports but said it has not been formally notified of any funding suspension. The university emphasized the importance of federal funding for groundbreaking research, including the development of cutting-edge medical technologies and Alzheimer’s treatment. A spokesperson warned that this research is now at risk.
The administration previously warned 60 universities, including Cornell and Northwestern, that they could face penalties if found to have allowed what it termed anti-Semitic activities on campus. Columbia University saw $400 million in federal funding pulled last month before it complied with several government demands to begin discussions about restoring support—a move criticized by some faculty and free speech advocates as undermining academic independence.
Harvard University is also under a $9 billion federal funding review, and Princeton has reported that dozens of its research grants have been frozen.
In addition to the funding clampdown, the U.S. has reportedly detained and begun deportation proceedings against foreign student protesters from various campuses. Student visas for several individuals have also been revoked.
These actions have drawn concern from rights groups, who argue the administration's approach is fostering anti-Arab sentiment and Islamophobia amid the ongoing war in Gaza. So far, the Trump administration has not addressed those concerns.
