Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration has frozen over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and approximately $790 million for Northwestern University.
• This action is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged civil rights violations at both institutions.
• Federal funding cuts have been linked to the universities’ handling of campus protests against Israel and concerns over antisemitism.
• Both universities reported receiving information about the funding freeze through media channels rather than official notifications.
• The situation raises significant questions about federal authority and compliance with legal procedures regarding funding cuts.

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has frozen more than $1 billion in federal funding designated for Cornell University and approximately $790 million for Northwestern University. This funding interruption, confirmed by White House officials, comes amidst investigations into the universities regarding alleged civil rights violations, notably in connection with allegations of antisemitism linked to campus protests against Israel.

The allegations follow a broader initiative by the Trump administration, which has been using federal funding as leverage to influence the policies of elite academic institutions. Recent weeks have seen similar actions aimed at schools such as Columbia University and Harvard University, amid ongoing scrutiny over their positions on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as well as responses to anti-Israel protest activities.

Both universities stated they learned about the funding freeze through media reports instead of official government communication. Cornell reported receiving over 75 "stop work orders" from the Department of Defense linked to critical research, affecting projects related to national defense and public health, among other important scientific endeavors. Northwestern expressed similar concerns, noting that federal funding supports vital research, including developments in healthcare technologies.

The Trump administration's actions align with its attempts to crack down on what it describes as inadequate responses to antisemitic practices on campus. This strategy has drawn ire from university administrators and civil rights advocates who argue it threatens academic freedom and dilutes the educational environment. Experts have raised alarms regarding the legality of these funding cuts, emphasizing procedural missteps that appear to violate established federal law and leeway for addressing compliance issues.

As the situation continues to develop, institutions across the nation are bracing for potential financial repercussions amidst an increasingly politicized landscape surrounding academic oversight and civil rights enforcement. For more details, visit ABC News.