Tue Mar 11 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump Threatens to Defund Universities Over “Illegal Protests,” Sparking First Amendment Concerns
**EVANSTON, IL** – President Donald Trump has renewed his attacks on universities, threatening to withhold federal funding from institutions that permit what he deems “illegal protests.” The announcement, made Tuesday on Truth Social, immediately drew condemnation from civil liberties groups and constitutional law experts who argue it constitutes a blatant violation of the First Amendment.
The ACLU and FIRE have denounced Trump’s proposal, questioning his authority to unilaterally cut funding. Ed Yohnka, director of communications and public policy at the ACLU of Illinois, stated, “It’s disgusting that the president claims to restore the First Amendment while violating it.”
Northwestern University professors echoed these concerns, suggesting Trump targets elite universities perceived as liberal bastions, using allegations of antisemitism to justify his actions. Professor Matt Pryor believes Trump aims to stifle criticism of his foreign policy. “He’s trying to threaten and scare people,” Pryor said.
Trump’s threat followed the cancellation of $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University, ostensibly for failing to protect Jewish students. The Department of Justice plans to investigate ten universities, including Northwestern, for civil rights compliance, with the possibility of further funding cuts. Northwestern received over $743.4 million in federal research funding in 2024, leaving it vulnerable. The university declined to comment.
Legal experts like Northwestern’s Professor Martin Redish argue that Trump lacks the authority to freeze congressionally approved funding without legislative authorization. Professor Laurel Harbridge-Yong outlined several potential avenues Trump might exploit, including seeking congressional approval for rescissions or manipulating agency guidelines. However, she expressed worry that universities might preemptively curtail free speech to avoid funding cuts.
The ambiguity surrounding the definition of “illegal protests” further complicates the situation. While protests violating time, place, and manner restrictions wouldn’t necessarily infringe on First Amendment rights, the vagueness of Trump’s statement raises significant concerns.
Professor Pryor described Trump’s actions as an “antidemocratic fascist takeover,” a direct assault on the Constitution. The legality and potential impact of Trump’s threats remain a significant concern, particularly for the future of academic freedom and free speech on college campuses.
First Piper 