Washington: Princeton University announced on Tuesday that the U.S. government has frozen several dozen research grants awarded to the institution, making it the latest university targeted by the Trump administration’s campaign against what it deems antisemitism on college campuses.
University President Chris Eisgruber stated that agencies, including NASA and the Departments of Defense and Energy, informed Princeton of the decision. While the university did not specify the total value of the affected grants, it noted that no justification had been provided for the move.
The Trump administration has repeatedly threatened to cut federal funding for universities, accusing them of tolerating antisemitism and failing to safeguard Jewish students amid widespread pro-Palestinian protests.
“We are committed to fighting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, and we will cooperate with the government in combating antisemitism. Princeton will also vigorously defend academic freedom and the due process rights of this university,” Eisgruber said in a statement.
A spokesperson for the Department of Energy confirmed that the agency had “paused grant funding to Princeton University pending the completion of the Department of Education’s investigation into Princeton regarding antisemitic harassment.” Last month, the Education Department sent letters to 60 universities, including Princeton, warning that enforcement actions could be taken against institutions found in violation.
Other federal agencies have yet to issue statements on the matter.
Protesters, including some Jewish advocacy groups, argue that the Trump administration is conflating criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and advocacy for Palestinian rights with antisemitism and support for Hamas militants.
The latest surge in violence in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a military offensive against Hamas-controlled Gaza, which has led to over 50,000 Palestinian casualties, according to local health officials. The assault has also displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and exacerbated an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with accusations of war crimes and genocide—claims that Israel has denied.
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The Trump administration is also reviewing $9 billion in federal contracts and grants allocated to Harvard University. Additionally, last month, it revoked $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, which has been at the center of pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations.
In recent weeks, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have detained several foreign student protesters and are pursuing their deportation.
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Beyond the Israel-Palestine issue, the Trump administration has also scrutinized universities over cultural and political disputes, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. It recently halted $175 million in funding to the University of Pennsylvania over policies related to transgender athletes.
While rights groups have raised concerns about rising Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias, the Trump administration has yet to announce measures addressing these issues.
