Trump Seeks $1 Billion from UC Over UCLA Protests

Trump's $1 Billion Demand on UC System Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump has issued a significant demand for a $1 billion fine against the University of California (UC) system, citing allegations of antisemitism in its handling of student protests related to the Gaza conflict. This move comes as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to challenge universities that it perceives as not aligning with its views.

The amount, which is five times the sum Columbia University agreed to pay to settle similar accusations of antisemitism, could have severe financial implications for the UC system. A senior official expressed concern that such a payment would "completely devastate" the public university system, which serves millions of students and relies heavily on taxpayer funding.

James Milliken, the president overseeing the 10 campuses within the UC system, confirmed that the demand had been received and was under review. He emphasized the importance of the UC system as a steward of public resources, stating that the potential fine would harm not only the institution but also the broader community of Californians.

"Americans across this great nation rely on the vital work of UCLA and the UC system for technologies and medical therapies that save lives, grow the US economy, and protect our national security," Milliken noted during a press conference.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is also a member of the UC board, responded to Trump’s fine by vowing to take legal action. He accused the former president of attempting to silence academic freedom through what he described as extortion. Newsom highlighted the significance of the UC system, crediting it as a key factor in California's economic strength and its status as a leader in science and technology.

"The UC system is one of the reasons California is the tentpole of the US economy, one of the reasons we have more scientists, engineers, and Nobel laureates than any other state in this nation," Newsom said.

According to media reports, the government is seeking the $1 billion in installments and is also demanding that the university pay $172 million to a claims fund to compensate Jewish students and others affected by alleged discrimination. This request adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation.

The UC system, known for its high rankings among public universities in the U.S., is currently dealing with the impact of a half-billion-dollar freeze on medical and science grants at UCLA alone. This financial pressure appears to be part of a broader strategy reminiscent of the tactics used by the White House against other institutions, including Columbia and Harvard.

Columbia's agreement included a commitment to avoid considering race in admissions or hiring, a move that drew criticism from Newsom. He emphasized that the UC system would not be complicit in attacks on academic freedom or on the institution itself.

"We will not be complicit in this kind of attack on academic freedom, or on this extraordinary public institution. We are not like some of those other institutions that have followed a different path," Newsom stated.

Pro-Palestinian protests in 2024 led to unrest on numerous U.S. campuses, with incidents of police crackdowns and mob violence occurring at locations such as Columbia and UCLA. Then-president Joe Biden called for "order to prevail" during these events.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has targeted universities, viewing academia as an elite, liberal entity that opposes the ethno-nationalist sentiments favored by his supporters. The ongoing tensions highlight the broader ideological clash between the Trump administration and higher education institutions.