By Newspot Nigeria Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 9, 2025 — In an unprecedented move that is sending shockwaves across the academic world, the Trump administration has frozen federal funding worth over $1 billion for Cornell University and approximately $790 million for Northwestern University, citing civil rights investigations linked to pro-Palestinian protests on their campuses.
This dramatic action aligns with President Donald Trump’s earlier threats to punish academic institutions accused of allowing what the administration describes as “anti-Semitic and divisive behavior” under the guise of free speech and protest. These measures also follow recent White House efforts to clamp down on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and transgender-related campus policies.
The White House confirmed the funding freezes late Tuesday night, but did not elaborate on which specific grants or programs would be affected. A source from the administration, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, stated that most of the halted funds come from federal departments such as Health, Education, Agriculture, and Defense.
Cornell University, reacting swiftly, acknowledged receiving over 75 “stop work” orders from the Department of Defense, disrupting major research projects connected to national security, cybersecurity, and health. However, the university claims it has yet to receive formal confirmation regarding the total value of the frozen funds.
“We are actively seeking information from federal officials to learn more about the basis for these decisions,” said Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff and senior administrators in a joint statement.
Northwestern University, also caught in the crosshairs, said it is aware of the reports but has not received direct communication from the federal government. “Federal funds that Northwestern receives drive innovative and life-saving research,” said a university spokesperson, citing breakthroughs such as the development of the world’s smallest pacemaker and research in Alzheimer’s treatment.
These developments come on the heels of last month’s $400 million funding halt at Columbia University, which was later partially restored after the university agreed to several demands by the Trump administration—a move that some faculty and civil liberty advocates described as a blow to academic freedom.
More broadly, the administration is reviewing $9 billion in federal grants and contracts to Harvard University, and Princeton University has confirmed dozens of its grants have also been frozen. Federal agents have begun detaining and deporting foreign student protesters, many of whom had participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. In some cases, visas have been revoked.
Civil rights groups and university associations have raised alarms over what they see as a growing climate of Islamophobia, anti-Arab sentiment, and a crackdown on free expression, especially during a time of heightened tension over the Israel-Gaza war.
As this story develops, many are questioning the future of academic independence and the balance between national interest, civil liberties, and the right to protest.
Stay tuned with Newspot Nigeria for updates on this story and more on how these actions could impact global academic freedom and U.S.-Africa educational exchanges.
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