The Daily Trump’s Escalating War With Higher Education
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Mar 24, 2025 
Alan Blinder, a national correspondent for The New York Times, shares insights on the escalating conflict between the Trump administration and American universities. He discusses how federal scrutiny and funding threats are reshaping higher education, particularly through cases like Columbia University facing potential $400 million cuts. The conversation highlights the strategic responses of institutions under pressure and explores the implications for campus culture and the future of skills-based hiring in a politically charged environment.
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Columbia University: A Case Study
- Columbia University has become a focal point for campus protests and disputes regarding university policies.
- This stems from events surrounding the 2023 Gaza war and Hamas attack on Israel.
Conflicting Criticisms of Columbia
- Both left and right-leaning groups criticized Columbia's handling of the protests.
- The left viewed the university as overly restrictive, while the right saw it as a breeding ground for antisemitism.
Federal Investigations and Funding Cuts
- The Trump administration prioritized addressing antisemitism on campuses, including investigations into several universities, including Columbia.
- These investigations led to the withholding of $400 million in funds from Columbia University.