

In Trump vs Universities, Students Are Stuck In The Middle
6 snips May 1, 2025
Nathan Elias, editor-in-chief of the Daily Trojan at USC, shares his insights on the ongoing showdown between the Trump administration and universities. He discusses how students navigate the pressures of political demands while striving for diversity and inclusion. Elias highlights student activism and the challenges faced by international students, shedding light on the real effects of funding threats. He also examines the vital role universities play in research and social mobility during turbulent times.
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USC Campus Security After Protests
- USC campus has been locked down with gates and ID checks since student protests a year ago.
- Increased security presence has reduced protests on campus, pushing demonstrations outside the gates instead.
International Students Fear Crackdown
- International students at USC feel palpable fear due to Trump's immigration enforcement and travel warnings.
- USC sends cautionary emails, but avoids public disclosure of visa cancellations affecting students.
USC Funding Struggles Pre-Date Trump
- USC was already dealing with funding uncertainties due to expensive lawsuits before Trump.
- Trump's administration causes more grant funding questions, pushing USC to comply with demands to protect budgets.