Tim Tai

On Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he would suspend all federal funding for college campuses that allowed “illegal protests.”

“All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests,” Trump posted on social media. “Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!”

Per Reuters, a spokesperson for Trump did not respond on how the White House would define an “illegal protest” or how the government would imprison the identified protesters.

When reached by the News for comment, a University spokesperson wrote that Yale “remains committed to its mission, to the principles of free expression and academic excellence, and to supporting the community” but did not refer specifically to the President’s threats regarding protesters.

The University spokesperson also directed the News to a Jan. 28 statement released by University President Maurie McInnis and Provost Scott Strobel on potential changes coming from the federal government.

A spokesperson for Yale’s pro-Palestinian Sumud Coalition wrote that Trump’s threats won’t stop their activism. 

“Trump wants to shut down student speech because he recognizes the power of our movement, but we won’t be deterred from standing in solidarity with Palestine,” the spokesperson said. 

Last spring, pro-Palestinian students organized protests and rallies across Yale’s campus, calling for Yale to disclose its investments and divest from ​​weapons manufacturing related to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Protesters set up encampments on Beinecke Plaza and then Cross Campus.

In the culmination of the first encampment, 46 students were arrested, including two international students. The protesters faced various charges, including criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief. Several cases were subsequently resolved, and 27 cases were officially dismissed in a court hearing on Oct. 31.

Trump has previously threatened to deport international students involved with campus protests. He signed an executive order on Wednesday, Jan. 29, which gives agencies 60 days to outline plans that will combat antisemitism on college campuses. A fact sheet for the order calls for revoking visas and deporting “Hamas sympathizers.”

A statement on March 3 from the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S General Services Administration announced a “comprehensive review” of Columbia University’s federal contracts and grants in light of ongoing investigations for potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

The review stands amidst ongoing investigations at five universities where antisemitic incidents have been reported.

Trump is in his second term as President.