Trump Administration Suspends $510 Million Funding for Brown University Research Project

The Trump administration is poised to block $510 million in federal contracts and grants for Brown University, part of an intensified effort to hold universities accountable for alleged antisemitism. This move makes Brown the fifth institution at risk, increasing anxiety among other targeted universities.

In the 2024 fiscal year, Brown’s reliance on federal funding is highlighted by approximately $184 million received through grants and contracts. Frank Doyle, Brown’s provost, acknowledged troubling rumors regarding potential federal actions but noted that the university lacks substantiated information.

Linda McMahon, the newly appointed education secretary, has emphasized the administration’s focus on elite universities, viewing taxpayer support as a privilege that may be revoked if institutions fail to comply with civil rights laws. This directive follows a series of threats to cut funding from notable schools such as Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, raising concerns about academic freedom.

Christina H. Paxson, Brown’s president, expressed deep concerns about the implications for academic self-governance, asserting that the university would vigorously defend its rights if essential functions were jeopardized.

The government’s scrutiny began earlier this year with a task force investigating claims of discrimination against Jewish students during campus protests. The education department later expanded its investigation to 60 colleges, underscoring a growing tension between federal authorities and higher education institutions over contentious political and social issues.