The Trump administration in the U.S. has canceled Columbia University’s $400 million fund, which served as the main hub for supportive demonstrations for Gaza, citing “lack of effort in combating antisemitism.”

In a joint statement by the General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Justice, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services, it was announced that various contracts of Columbia University with federal agencies were canceled. According to the statement, funds totaling $400 million were revoked because the university “did not adequately combat antisemitism” and “failed to protect Jewish students and staff.”

PUNISHMENT FOR GAZA PROTESTS Many individuals reacting to the statement on social media suggested that Columbia University, where protests supporting Gaza first emerged nationally last year, was being “punished” in this way. During last year’s protests, allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia were made, and Columbia University had claimed to make serious efforts to combat antisemitism. University students protesting against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the unconditional support of the U.S. to Israel had organized weeks-long demonstrations during the spring last year. President Trump had threatened to cut off any funding from the government to schools that allowed “illegal” protests on campuses.