Columbia University has laid off nearly 180 employees after the Trump administration revoked $400 million in federal research funding over alleged anti-Semitism on campus.
At a Glance
- Columbia University lost over $400 million in federal research funding due to alleged failures to address anti-Semitism on campus
- Nearly 180 employees (20% of those funded by the grants) have been laid off as a result
- Over 300 multiyear research grants, many in medical research, have been significantly reduced
- The university has established a Research Stabilization Fund while negotiating with federal officials to restore funding
Trump Administration Cuts Funding Over Anti-Semitism Concerns
Columbia University is facing a severe financial crisis after the Trump administration revoked more than $400 million in federal research funding. The decision comes from a Trump administration antisemitism task force, which cited the university’s alleged failure to protect Jewish students on campus.
The Department of Education, under Secretary Linda McMahon, is investigating Columbia and several other universities for compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws, particularly in relation to Executive Order 14188, which targets anti-Semitic harassment on college campuses.
“Universities must comply with all federal anti-discrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
— J Michael Waller (@JMichaelWaller) March 18, 2025
Extensive Layoffs and Research Impact
The funding cuts have forced Columbia to lay off nearly 180 employees, representing approximately 20% of university staff whose positions were funded by the now-terminated federal grants. The university had temporarily covered salaries for affected researchers during the review period, but this effort could not be sustained.
The cuts have particularly affected over 300 multiyear research grants, with medical research bearing a significant portion of the impact. In 2023, Columbia received $1.3 billion in federal research funds, with $747 million coming from the National Institutes of Health alone.
“We have had to make deliberate, considered decisions about the allocation of our financial resources. Those decisions also impact our greatest resource, our people. We understand this news will be hard,” said Claire Shipman.
Early-career researchers have been hit especially hard by the funding cuts. Dr. Tamara Sussman, whose federal grant studying structural racism and substance use risk in Puerto Rican adolescents was canceled, expressed concern about the broader implications. “This is a really hard time for anyone who wants to do research, but particularly for people who are starting out. It is very disheartening to see the wheels of science kind of grinding to a halt in certain ways,” Dr. Sussman noted.
University’s Response and Stabilization Efforts
Columbia’s leadership has described the decision to implement layoffs as “deeply challenging,” emphasizing that it followed a thorough review of research activities and the university’s financial outlook. In response to the crisis, Columbia has established a Research Stabilization Fund aimed at mitigating future funding risks and supporting its scientific community.
The fund will provide internal grants and support for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows affected by the funding loss. Scientists at Columbia can apply for limited-time grants to complete research and support graduate students while the university works to restore federal relationships.
“We are grateful for the exceptional leadership and professionalism of our deans, chairs, and senior management who have come together to navigate this critical moment with care and integrity, while upholding and advancing Columbia’s mission, values, and the unique qualities that make this a vital, extraordinary place,” stated Columbia University in an official communication.
The university is actively negotiating with federal officials in hopes of resuming canceled research projects and seeking alternative funding sources. However, Columbia has warned that further actions might be necessary to maintain financial flexibility and invest in key areas as the financial strain has already led to reduced expenditures and scaled-back research infrastructure, with some departments winding down activities entirely.
