Trump Administration Plans to Suspend $510 Million in Federal Funding to Brown University Over Antisemitism Concerns:

The Trump administration intends to halt up to $510 million in grants and contracts to Brown University, intensifying its push against elite colleges accused of failing to address antisemitism on campus, according to officials cited by The New York Times.

Brown, part of the Ivy League, joins other high-profile universities such as Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania in facing possible funding cuts. In the 2024 fiscal year alone, Brown received approximately $184 million in federal research funds. A full suspension could severely disrupt scientific and medical research projects.

University Response and Internal Communication

Brown officials said they have not received any formal notice of funding suspension. In an internal email, Provost Frank Doyle acknowledged the circulating reports but stated that there was “no information to substantiate any of these rumours.”

The initial report came from The Daily Caller, a conservative news outlet closely monitoring federal actions against higher education institutions.

Wider Federal Strategy Led by Education Secretary McMahon

This action is part of a broader campaign led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon. She has said that federal funding is a “privilege,” conditional on universities meeting their obligations under civil rights law. The administration accuses several universities of ignoring antisemitic incidents and stifling conservative speech.

Brown experienced campus protests during the Israel-Gaza conflict but ultimately reached agreements with student groups to dismantle encampments. The university held a board vote on divestment from Israel, which was ultimately rejected, citing no direct holdings in the companies targeted by protesters.

Academic Freedom and Policy Shifts Under Pressure

Following funding threats to other Ivy League institutions, Brown stood firm in defending academic independence. President Christina H. Paxson said recent federal actions raise significant concerns about university autonomy and self-governance.

The university is now considering adopting a formal policy to limit institutional statements on political matters unrelated to its mission—a move toward neutrality seen at other campuses.

Task Force Expands Scrutiny Across Universities

The federal campaign began in February with a task force investigating 10 universities over alleged antisemitism. That list has since expanded to include 60 institutions. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is overseeing these investigations.

Columbia University was the first to face funding cuts, losing $400 million. Since then, the administration has paused $175 million to the University of Pennsylvania and reviewed $9 billion in funding tied to Harvard. Princeton also saw grant suspensions after similar protests.

Growing Concerns Among Academic Institutions

Leaders across academia warn of the long-term impact these funding cuts may have, particularly in science, technology, and medical fields. Many federally funded university programs contribute directly to national innovation and public health.

As Brown University becomes the latest target, others on the administration’s list are preparing for similar measures.