Columbia University will pay $200 million to the U.S. government — and an additional $21 million to Jewish faculty and staff — to resolve allegations of antisemitism and regain access to nearly $400 million in federal research grants, the Trump administration announced Wednesday.
The agreement, described by President Trump as “historic,” includes sweeping reforms: ending race-conscious DEI policies, implementing merit-based admissions, adopting a federal definition of antisemitism, overhauling disciplinary procedures, and increasing transparency around international students.
Columbia did not admit wrongdoing. Acting President Claire Shipman said the deal “marks an important step forward” after intense federal scrutiny.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon called it a “seismic shift,” asserting it sets a precedent for elite institutions
The Trump Administration's deal with Columbia University is a seismic shift in our nation’s fight to hold institutions that accept American taxpayer dollars accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment. For decades, the American public has watched in horror as our…
— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) July 24, 2025
Trump also warned that “numerous other higher education institutions” are next in line for similar action
