Trump Makes Columbia Pay Up: $221M Settlement Restores Research Funds

Columbia University has reached a $221 million settlement with the Trump administration, restoring federal research funding that was previously pulled over concerns about antisemitism on campus. The agreement includes a $200 million payout over three years and $21 million to settle claims of civil rights violations involving Jewish employees.

Acting University President Claire Shipman said, “This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty.”

The Trump administration canceled more than $400 million in grants earlier this year. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Columbia’s changes represent “a seismic shift in our nation’s fight to hold institutions that accept American taxpayer dollars accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment.”

The deal includes Columbia adopting a federal definition of antisemitism, reviewing its Middle East curriculum, and eliminating diversity-based programs deemed unlawful. The university must now report DEI program compliance to a federal monitor.

Trump, on Truth Social, praised the agreement, writing, Columbia had “committed to ending their ridiculous DEI policies, admitting students based ONLY on MERIT.”

The settlement also allows the government to request disciplinary records of international students involved in protests. Columbia recently disciplined over 70 students tied to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

The crackdown began with defunding and detentions, including protest leader Mahmoud Khalil. Investigations have since expanded to other elite schools and public universities.