Education Secretary: Columbia On Track to Recover Funding

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EW YORK — Linda McMahon, the U.S. Education Secretary, expressed optimism regarding Columbia University’s efforts to regain federal funding. This positive outlook follows the prestigious New York City institution’s commitment to implement several policy modifications as required by the Trump administration.

During her appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, McMahon spoke of her productive discussions with Columbia’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong.

“She acknowledged her responsibility to ensure the safety of students on her campus,” McMahon remarked. “Armstrong expressed her commitment to preventing any form of discrimination and tackling any systemic issues related to antisemitism on campus.”

On Friday, Armstrong revealed that the university would place its Middle East studies department under new administration and revise its guidelines for protests and student conduct. Additionally, Columbia plans to adopt a new definition of antisemitism and enhance “intellectual diversity” by expanding its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies, as outlined on the university’s website.

Earlier in the month, the Trump administration withdrew $400 million in research funding and other financial support over the university’s handling of protests concerning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. To reconsider the restoration of these funds and potentially unlock billions more in future grants, federal officials have requested nine specific changes to the university’s academic and security protocols.

Armstrong’s compliance with the administration’s requests has received backlash from certain faculty members and free speech advocates, who argue that the university is succumbing to an unprecedented level of governmental interference in academic independence.