California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) pushed back after it was discovered the Trump administration is aiming for a $1 billion settlement with the University of California, Los Angeles.
“Donald Trump has weaponized the DOJ to kneecap America’s #1 public university system — freezing medical & science funding until @UCLA pays his $1 billion ransom,” the press office for the governor posted on the social platform X.
“California won’t bow to Trump’s disgusting political extortion,” it added.
The Trump administration is demanding the money, with other concessions such as changing admission and hiring policies, in order to release more than $500 million in frozen funds and allow the institution to apply for federal grants again.
UCLA is the latest victim in President Trump’s war against higher education and his objective to pull funding to then force institutions into deals.
So far, Columbia and Brown are the only institutions that have struck deals, which included sizable payouts and reforms to the universities.
Along with the payout from UCLA, Trump wants a resolution monitor who would ensure compliance with the agreement, admissions data handed over, and the creation of guidelines excluding transgender women from female sports or campus housing.
“Currently, a total of approximately $584 million in extramural award funding is suspended and at risk,” Julio Frenk, chancellor of the university, wrote in a letter that went out to the community. “If these funds remain suspended, it will be devastating for UCLA and for Americans across the nation.”
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