Columbia faces federal funding threats from Trump administration

The Trump administration has threatened Columbia University with the loss of federal funding unless it implements significant changes, including placing its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department under strict oversight. The university must respond by March 20. This ultimatum follows the administration's previous cuts of $400 million in federal grants, citing Columbia's failure to address antisemitism amid pro-Palestinian protests. The new demands include expelling students involved in protests and reforming various university policies. Additionally, immigration agents recently searched student residences at Columbia, although no arrests were made. This follows the arrest of a former student linked to the protests, raising concerns about the administration's approach to dissent on campus.