Trump administration suspends multiple Princeton research grants

The Trump administration has suspended multiple research grants with Princeton University, according to the school’s president. 

President Christopher Eisgruber sent a message to the university community Tuesday that said several dozen contracts between the school and the Department of Energy, NASA and the Defense Department have been suspended.  

“The full rationale for this action is not yet clear, but I want to be clear about the principles that will guide our response,” Eisgruber said.  

“Princeton University will comply with the law. We are committed to fighting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, and we will cooperate with the government in combating antisemitism. Princeton will also vigorously defend academic freedom and the due process rights of this University,” he added.  

It is not clear how much money Princeton is losing with the canceled contracts. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.  

Princeton, along with dozens of under schools, is under investigation for alleged antisemitism on campus.  

It is the second university to receive funding cuts, with the first happening at Columbia University for alleged inaction on antisemitism.  

Columbia’s funding pause amounted to $400 million and is still not restored even after the university agreed to the federal government’s terms such as strengthening its disciplinary policies.  

Eisgruber wrote an op-ed for The Atlantic chastising the Trump administration for its treatment of Columbia back in March. 

Higher education officials and advocates will be watching closely to see if Princeton follows Columbia’s lead of capitulating to the government or trying to fight the cuts.  

The Princeton move comes after the federal antisemitism taskforce said it was reviewing billions of dollars in contracts with Harvard University.