Trump Escalates Attacks on Universities and Higher Education

President Donald Trump has intensified his offensive against higher education in the U.S., launching a series of policies and executive actions aimed at reshaping the academic landscape.

Department of Education Overhaul

In March 2025, Trump appointed Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education and tasked her with dismantling the Department of Education. While the move faces legal hurdles, it underscores Trump’s push to decentralize education by shifting control to states and local communities.

Cuts to Federal Student Aid

Trump’s 2026 budget proposal includes major cuts to federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant — a vital source of financial support for low-income students. Critics argue this could drastically reduce access to college for underprivileged communities and reverse decades of progress.

Attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs

Trump has issued executive orders banning federal funding for initiatives based on race, gender, or identity, and eliminated mandatory diversity statements in faculty hiring. Academic organizations argue these moves infringe on academic freedom and university independence.

Restrictions on International Students

His administration has enacted travel bans on citizens from 12 countries and restricted visas from seven more, causing a sharp drop in international student enrollment and raising concerns about the economic and academic impact on U.S. institutions.

Antisemitism Investigations on Campuses

Following pro-Palestinian protests at universities like Columbia, UC Berkeley, and CUNY, Trump ordered federal investigations into alleged antisemitism. These efforts include threats to pull federal funding and detain student activists, prompting concerns over free speech and civil rights.

These actions reflect Trump’s broader ideological agenda to reshape higher education, triggering a national debate over the role of government in academia and the future of American universities.