Trump threatens Columbia with funding loss over policy changes

The Trump administration has warned Columbia University it could lose federal funding unless it makes significant policy changes. A letter outlined demands, including placing its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department under academic receivership for five years. Columbia must also ban identity-concealing masks, adopt a new definition of antisemitism, and reform its student disciplinary process. Additionally, the university is required to submit a plan for changes in admissions practices. These demands are presented as "preconditions" for negotiations regarding Columbia's federal funding. The letter did not clarify the reasons for targeting the specific department or the receivership process.