President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to tackle antisemitism on college campuses by threatening to strip federal support and accreditation from universities that fail to adequately combat the issue. The Jerusalem Post reports on Trump’s speech at an anti-antisemitism rally in Washington, where he announced plans to inform university leaders that allowing antisemitic activities or propaganda on campus could cost them federal funding.
“To defeat antisemitism and defend Jewish citizens in America,” Trump said, “I will tell every college president that if they do not end antisemitic propaganda on their campuses, they will lose accreditation and federal support. We will not subsidize the creation of terrorist sympathizers – and we’re not going to do it, certainly not on American soil.”
Trump is committed to holding educational institutions accountable for creating safe environments, particularly for Jewish students. He stated that if colleges allow violence or harassment targeting Jewish individuals, they will be considered in violation of civil rights laws.
“It’s very important,” he continued. “Jewish Americans must have equal protection under the law, and they’re going to get it. At the same time, my administration will move swiftly to restore safety for Jewish students and Jewish people on American streets.”
Trump’s promise builds on actions taken during his first term, when he signed an executive order that added Jews to the list of protected minority groups under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The move extended federal civil rights protections to Jewish students facing discrimination in publicly funded institutions.
Alongside his pledges, Trump also confirmed plans to appoint Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik, representing New York’s 21st district, has been vocal in her opposition to campus antisemitism and has supported legislation promoting accountability for schools that fail to protect Jewish students.
