Trump Administration Suspends Federal Grants at Princeton University

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has suspended several dozen federal research grants to Princeton University, according to a statement from the university on Tuesday. The prestigious Ivy League institution received notifications indicating that funding from agencies including the Department of Energy, NASA, and the Defense Department would be halted amid ongoing investigations into antisemitism on campus.

University President Christopher Eisgruber confirmed the suspensions in a campus-wide message. While the rationale behind the funding cuts remains unclear, Eisgruber expressed the university’s commitment to comply with legal obligations and to combat antisemitism. “We are committed to fighting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, and we will cooperate with the government in combating antisemitism,” he wrote.

Princeton’s situation reflects broader actions taken against Ivy League institutions amid heightened scrutiny over allegations of antisemitism. Just this month, Columbia University faced a similar predicament when the federal government announced a $400 million funding cut and warned it may withdraw billions more. Additionally, Harvard University is reportedly under investigation that could impact nearly $9 billion in federal grants and contracts.

The timing of the suspensions is significant as more than 100 universities are currently being investigated for allegations related to antisemitism or Islamophobia following a surge in pro-Palestinian protests. The federal government plays a crucial role in funding research at American universities through various grants.

Eisgruber has been outspoken about perceived threats to academic freedom amid these federal actions. In a previous article in the Atlantic, he criticized the funding cuts to Columbia and emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual freedom in academia, stating, “once you make concessions once, it’s hard not to make them again.”

According to reports, the financial repercussions for Princeton could be substantial. The suggested $210 million in funding cuts—if enforced—would comprise nearly half of the university’s federal funding pool, which accounted for $455 million in grants and contracts during the 2024 fiscal year. The investigations stem from complaints submitted by Zachary Marschall, editor-in-chief of Campus Reform, who alleged instances of antisemitism during campus protests last year.

Princeton has responded to the funding threats by announcing plans to scale back faculty hiring and limit staff growth, indicating a need to adapt to the precarious funding landscape. Additionally, the university has publicly opposed a proposed increase in the endowment tax suggested by Trump administration officials, arguing that such measures would negatively impact its financial stability.

In a statement from its board of directors, the American Association of Universities (AAU) urged the federal government to adhere to established investigative procedures regarding discrimination claims instead of withdrawing funding unrelated to research performance. “Following these established procedures is the best way to ensure accountability by universities and to preserve our nation’s place as the global leader in science and innovation,” the statement read.