Trump Pledges to Cut Funding to Schools Allowing ‘Illegal Protests’
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a strong stance against “illegal protests” on university campuses, vowing to cut off federal funding from any institution that permits such demonstrations. This declaration, made on his Truth Social platform, comes in response to the surge of anti-Israel activism at American colleges following the brutal Hamas massacre of October 7, which left 1,200 innocent people murdered, including women and children, and hundreds taken hostage into Gaza.
Trump stated unequivocally: “All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests. Agitators will be imprisoned or permanently sent back to the country from which they came.” He added that American students who engage in such protests could face expulsion or even criminal charges.
The Republican leader’s statement resonates deeply with those who have been alarmed by the radicalization of American campuses, where open support for Hamas, violent rhetoric against Jews, and calls for the destruction of Israel have been tolerated under the guise of free speech. Many conservatives, as well as members of the Jewish and pro-Israel communities, have been appalled by the lack of response from university administrators, some of whom have even appeared to excuse or downplay the significance of such protests.
The president’s proposal reflects a growing frustration within Republican circles over the perceived double standard in academia. Many institutions that receive billions in federal taxpayer funds have cracked down hard on conservative voices and pro-Israel activists while giving free rein to far-left and extremist groups advocating for the destruction of Israel and, in some cases, glorifying terrorist violence.
Trump’s declaration raises significant legal and political questions. The U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech and assembly under the First Amendment, meaning that any attempt to criminalize mere participation in a protest could face serious legal challenges. However, his supporters argue that these protests are not simply about free speech—they have often crossed the line into harassment, intimidation, and support for terrorism.
For example, Jewish students on many campuses, including elite Ivy League institutions, have reported being afraid to walk freely due to threats and violence from anti-Israel demonstrators. Chants of “From the River to the Sea,” widely understood as a call for the elimination of Israel, have become common at these rallies. Reports of pro-Hamas activists physically blocking students from attending classes, surrounding Jewish students in hostile mobs, and defacing campus property with anti-Semitic graffiti have fueled calls for decisive action.
Trump’s approach mirrors the sentiment of many Republicans and pro-Israel advocates who believe that federal dollars should not be used to subsidize institutions that fail to protect their Jewish students and allow radicalized mobs to take over.
This announcement is just the latest salvo in a larger battle over the future of American higher education. Many conservatives view universities as breeding grounds for left-wing ideology, where radical professors push anti-American, anti-religious, and anti-Israel agendas while silencing traditional values.