Deal or 'Shakedown'? Columbia University Settles with U.S. Government Over Federal Probes

Columbia University will pay over $220 million to the U.S. government to settle federal investigations. The deal, seen as a way to restore public funding, has faced criticism as a harmful precedent. Columbia aims to regain funding, while the Trump administration calls it a governmental win.

Columbia University has agreed to a $220 million settlement with the U.S. government in response to federal probes, according to Acting President Claire Shipman.

The settlement aims to restore Columbia's access to $1.7 billion in federal funding and prevent potential repercussions such as loss of visa status for international students. However, critics have labeled the deal as extortion under President Donald Trump's administration, which has been critical of alleged antisemitism and harassment of Jewish members within the university.

The agreement has sparked debate among academic circles as it formalizes concessions linked to academic integrity and Middle Eastern studies. Columbia law professor David Pozen described the deal as a "shakedown," suggesting the government is using this as a precedent for further "pay-to-play" arrangements with other universities.

(With inputs from agencies.)