The Trump administration has halted over $1 billion in federal funding earmarked for Cornell University, while also freezing approximately $790 million in funding for Northwestern University amid ongoing investigations into alleged civil rights violations.
According to the White House, the funding suspensions are tied to probes related to recent pro-Palestinian protests on campuses, along with concerns surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives, and transgender-related policies.
While the White House confirmed the decision late Tuesday, it provided no specifics about the affected grants or the exact scope of the suspensions.
Cornell University stated that earlier on Tuesday it received more than 75 stop-work orders from the Department of Defense. These orders impacted research efforts described as critical to U.S. national defense, cybersecurity, and health. However, the university said it had not been formally informed of the reported $1 billion freeze.
Northwestern University acknowledged media coverage of the situation but noted it had not yet received official notification. The institution emphasized its full cooperation with the investigation.
A Northwestern spokesperson warned that the funding freeze threatens vital research projects, including breakthroughs such as the development of the world’s smallest pacemaker and advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment. “This type of research is now in jeopardy,” the spokesperson told Reuters.