Senate Democrats Accuse Trump of Weaponizing Antisemitism Against Universities

A group of Jewish Democratic senators, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, has publicly accused President Trump of weaponizing antisemitism as a pretext to punish and defund universities, notably Harvard, that do not align with his views. In a letter and public statements, the senators argue that the administration's actions go far beyond legitimate efforts to address antisemitism, instead undermining higher education and threatening civil liberties. They demand detailed explanations for the administration's policies, including specifics on how decisions to penalize certain institutions were made. Meanwhile, a recent survey indicates broad public support for cutting federal funding to universities that fail to protect Jewish students, with over half of adults and college students in favor. Jewish organizations and advocacy groups have also pushed back against what they see as a false choice between combating antisemitism and upholding democratic values, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach. These developments reflect deep divisions over how best to address campus antisemitism while preserving academic freedom and institutional integrity.