WASHINGTON, D.C (V7N) -Trump's latest move to cut federal funding for schools that allow "illegal protests" adds to his series of education-related policies aimed at reshaping the system. On Tuesday, he announced via Truth Social that any college, school, or university permitting such protests would face financial consequences. He also warned that agitators would face imprisonment or deportation, while American students involved could face expulsion or arrest.

The Republican president has consistently used funding threats to push his policies, previously targeting institutions over issues like gender teachings, transgender athletes, and COVID-19 mandates. His latest announcement follows pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses last year, which triggered controversies over anti-Semitism.

The U.S. government is currently considering canceling over $50 million in contracts with Columbia University, citing its alleged failure to protect Jewish students. Columbia became a focal point for student demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza, leading to Congressional scrutiny of university responses to anti-Semitism.

Last month, Trump's administration launched a task force on anti-Semitism, which is reviewing federal grants to Columbia. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized that federally funded schools must ensure student safety and questioned Columbia’s eligibility for government contracts due to its handling of campus protests.

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