The administration of US President Donald Trump has suspended a significant number of federal research funds to Princeton University. Investigations have been initiated in recent times at top US schools like Columbia, Harvard, and most recently, Princeton.

An email sent by Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber addressed the issue of research funds. The announcement stated that various federal agencies, including NASA, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense, have suspended numerous funds provided to the university by the Trump administration.

REASONS UNCLEARLY STATED The statement emphasized the defense of academic freedom and the university’s right to act in accordance with legal processes, stating, “We are committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.”

The announcement noted that the reasons behind the decision were not clearly stated, and collaboration with the government in the fight against antisemitism was also mentioned.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY ALSO TARGETED The US Department of Education revealed that it had launched an investigation to ensure that Harvard University’s over $8.7 billion in grants from various organizations were being used in compliance with civil rights laws. Following the Trump administration’s focus on combating antisemitism, Columbia University, the subject of government scrutiny, announced its decision to comply with government demands to avoid the cutoff of the school’s $400 million funds. In line with these demands, a review of the definition of antisemitism at the university will be conducted, and the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies faculty will be expanded. Additionally, students were prohibited from protesting in academic buildings and wearing masks to conceal their identities.