Trump Administration Initiates Federal Reviews at University of Washington and Columbia Amid Anti-Israel Protests Disrupting Finals

The Trump administration has intensified its response to recent anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests at major U.S. universities, including the University of Washington and Columbia University. Following a fiery anti-Israel protest at the University of Washington, several federal agencies, including the Education Department, Health and Human Services, and General Services Administration, have initiated reviews of alleged antisemitic activities on campus. The administration has threatened to withdraw federal funding from institutions perceived to allow antisemitism and civil rights violations.

At Columbia University, protests have disrupted finals week, with masked demonstrators occupying the campus and chanting slogans such as “global intifada.” New York City officials, responding to a request from Columbia, have deployed police to remove trespassers. Columbia’s acting president condemned the protests as deeply troubling, while students have called for the university to take stronger action to maintain academic order. The Trump administration praised Columbia’s leadership for its firm response, highlighting the acting president’s fortitude and conviction. These developments are part of a broader White House effort to address antisemitism on college campuses, though some critics express concerns about potential impacts on academic freedom.