Category: Project 2025

Columbia University Interim President Resigns Amid Controversial Trump-Era Policies and Campus Turmoil

Columbia University’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, will resign and return to her role at the medical center, as announced by the university’s board of trustees. This decision highlights the ongoing turmoil at Columbia and follows the university’s recent controversial concessions to the Trump administration aimed at securing $400 million in federal funding. Armstrong was chosen as interim president during a challenging time for the university, reflecting the significant pressure it faced.

Columbia’s administration is implementing sweeping changes to address the Trump administration’s allegations of inadequate action against antisemitism connected to pro-Gaza protests on campus. These changes include the establishment of a new campus police force, restrictions on face masks, and the removal of faculty governance over certain academic departments, actions that many scholars and activists have condemned as an alarming capitulation to external political pressure.

The leadership upheaval at Columbia is not an isolated incident; it follows the resignation of Minouche Shafik, Columbia’s previous president, in 2024 amid severe backlash from students for her handling of protests against the university’s policies and the actions of law enforcement against demonstrators. Shafik’s tenure was marked by student occupations and widespread unrest, highlighting a campus increasingly embroiled in political controversy.

In addition to the leadership changes, Columbia has faced allegations of retaliating against non-citizen student activists involved in pro-Palestine protests amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The recent detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card-holder and student activist, has raised serious concerns about the preservation of free speech rights on campus during a period of escalating political tension.

David J. Greenwald, chair of the Columbia Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for Armstrong’s service while acknowledging the turbulence surrounding the university’s leadership. Claire Shipman, a journalist and Columbia alum, has been appointed acting president as the search for a new leader begins. This sequence of events signals a troubling trend of politicization in educational institutions under the influence of the Trump administration.

Trump’s Executive Order Targets Smithsonian to Censor American History Insights

Donald Trump has issued an executive order that directly targets the Smithsonian Institution, asserting that it promotes what he deems “divisive, race-based ideology.” This controversial move, labeled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” aims to erase exhibitions that discuss racial themes by halting federal funding for such programs. The order mandates Vice President JD Vance to eliminate what Trump calls “improper” displays from the Smithsonian’s museums and the National Zoo, fundamentally censoring historical narratives.

The executive order seeks to restore federal properties that have “been improperly removed or changed,” a thinly veiled attack against attempts to showcase America’s complex history, particularly regarding race. Trump’s focus is not merely on museum exhibitions but extends to shaping the broader cultural narrative of the country, enhancing the authoritarian flavor of his presidency by controlling public memory and historical interpretation.

A significant point of contention within the order is the accusation against the planned American Women’s History Museum, falsely claiming it aims to “recognize men as women.” Additionally, Trump’s directive aims to delegitimize the National Museum of African American History and Culture, alleging that recognizing values like hard work and individualism as part of “White culture” is in itself divisive. These fabrications reveal an extremist ideology intended to repress accurate representations of America’s racial history.

Moreover, the executive order coincides with Trump’s broader strategy of dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across federal institutions, a campaign that has already faced numerous legal challenges. The aggressive nature of these actions showcases Trump’s intent to redefine American cultural institutions as platforms for ideological conformity rather than diversity and inclusion.

Overall, Trump’s executive order constitutes a direct assault on the intellectual and cultural diversity that characterizes American society. The effort to reframe the country’s history and diminish the significance of exhibitions that reflect upon its racial past is emblematic of a trend toward authoritarianism, echoing tactics employed by regimes seeking to reshape public narratives for political gain.

(h/t: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjy1jmvvwzo.amp)

Trump Cuts $20 Million in Domestic Terror Prevention Funding Ignoring Rising Violence

President Donald Trump has eliminated crucial funding for domestic terror prevention efforts, halting nearly $20 million allocated to a national database tracking incidents of domestic terrorism, hate crimes, and school shootings. This decision, part of a broader cut to 24 violence prevention projects, has raised serious concerns among experts regarding public safety amid rising violence in the country.

According to records obtained by The Washington Post, the decision carries significant implications for safety as the database, managed by the University of Maryland’s START consortium, was crucial in cataloging nearly three violent events per day. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) justified these cuts by claiming the projects no longer align with Department priorities without providing a clear rationale for the change.

This cancellation occurs during a time when data indicates a 25% surge in incidents of terrorism and targeted violence compared to the previous year. Authorities, such as Amy Cooter, Deputy Director at the Institute for Countering Digital Extremism, express alarm that these cuts will hinder the fight against domestic extremism, compromising efforts to monitor emerging threats and trends.

The programs affected include critical research designed to prevent school shootings and assess strategies for redirecting individuals from extremist ideologies. Experts involved are questioning the legality of shutting down these projects mid-operation, emphasizing that this abrupt termination undermines both financial investments and our ability to develop effective countermeasures against violence.

Despite these setbacks, researchers like Michael Jensen are committed to pushing back and appealing the decisions made. The overall impact of Trump’s actions is clear: a blatant disregard for evidence-based policies that could save lives in favor of aligning with a more authoritarian, reckless approach to governance, eroding efforts to protect American communities from violence.

(h/t: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/03/25/domestic-extremism-database-trump-cuts/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1psa82aqdgAWDzQiAB3JwUSW5R0RNM0Go6ThilrjzoyHo1jtvvcYr7WW8_aem_BABO1J2XqA6yQThBwi6ryA)

Trump’s Executive Order Threatens Public Education and Civil Rights in America

The recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump signals an alarming push towards dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon. The directive, which intends to eliminate the agency, threatens to undermine more than four decades of federal commitment to civil rights and equal access in education. This move aims not just to trim down federal oversight but to fundamentally reshape the education landscape in favor of privatization and the interests of wealthy donors.

With a long history of similar efforts, Trump’s administration is now positioned to facilitate the transfer of authority and resources from the federal government back to states and localities. This shift could lead to severe consequences for public schooling, including the redistribution of funds away from public institutions towards private and religious entities. Despite claims that essential programs like Pell Grants and Title I funding will remain untouched, the potential for considerable disruption in federal support for disadvantaged and disabled students looms large.

Teachers and their unions, already facing marginalization, could see their protections eroded as funding is diverted. Along the way, the civil rights infrastructure that safeguards against discrimination in education is at serious risk. With the legislation purportedly designed to cut half of the Department’s workforce, the efficacy of vital services for millions of American children hangs in the balance, raising immediate concerns among education advocates.

The proposed changes are not mere administrative shifts; they reflect a calculated effort by Republican elites to reduce federal influence over education. Conservative frameworks circulating for years advocate for turning federal education responsibilities over to various other departments, a strategy that many experts warn could compromise oversight and enforcement of civil rights laws in schools.

The potential implications of Trump’s executive order are dire. Without robust federal protections, students in states dominated by right-wing ideologies may find themselves in educational environments governed by fewer regulations and lower standards—the very embodiment of neoliberal education policy. As public education faces unprecedented threats, it is vital to recognize this moment as part of a broader agenda that seeks the commodification of education at the expense of democracy and equality.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/education-department-trump-what-is-next-student-loans-fafsa-rcna197302)

Trump’s Dismissal of FTC Commissioners Signals Dangerous Shift towards Authoritarian Control

Donald Trump has unilaterally dismissed the only two Democratic commissioners from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), confirming the partisan control he seeks over independent regulatory agencies. The fired commissioners, Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, both declared their terminations were illegal and indicative of Trump’s attempts to stifle opposition. Bedoya took to social media to express that his removal signifies Trump’s desire to transform the FTC into an agency that serves his interests rather than the public good.

Slaughter echoed these sentiments, asserting that the President’s decision undermines the integrity of the FTC, which was established to combat corporate misconduct. She emphasized the importance of independent voices in holding powerful corporations accountable and argued that this action reflects a broader trend of Trump’s administration toward authoritarianism and power consolidation.

This unconstitutional move raises serious concerns about the future of consumer protection in the United States. With Trump’s recent appointment of Andrew Ferguson, who has openly disparaged consumer protections, there is a clear intent to dismantle the safeguards designed to protect the public from corporate abuses. This development not only threatens the regulatory independence of the FTC but also endangers the very foundations of accountability within the government.

The implications of these firings are far-reaching, as they signify a deliberate effort by Trump to eliminate dissent within regulatory agencies. By removing key opposition figures from the FTC, Trump aims to silence scrutiny and shield his administration from accountability regarding corporate malfeasance. This move is a part of a larger strategy that aligns with Trump’s abhorrent approach to governance, which prioritizes loyalty to the President over the rights and well-being of American citizens.

As these events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that the Trump administration is committed to eroding democratic standards and enabling unchecked corporate power. The dismissal of Bedoya and Slaughter marks another step in a worrying trend of authoritarian governance that directly threatens American democracy and the principles of fair regulation established by independent agencies.

(h/t: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/18/trump-fires-ftc-commissioners)

Trump’s Education Department Layoffs Spark Crisis

The U.S. Department of Education has been significantly downsized under the Trump administration, with Secretary Linda McMahon executing layoffs affecting approximately half of its workforce. This drastic reduction is raising substantial concerns among educators in California, particularly regarding the distribution of essential federal funds aimed at supporting disadvantaged students and those with disabilities.

California educators fear that these layoffs will severely impact the management of college financial aid and student loans, as well as civil rights protections in schools. The closure of the regional Office for Civil Rights in San Francisco will exacerbate an already overwhelming backlog of investigations into discrimination in education, leaving many students and families, especially those from marginalized communities, vulnerable and anxious about their educational futures.

Guillermo Mayer, president of Public Advocates, emphasized the adverse consequences of the layoffs, which he argued would bring chaos to public schools and undermine the services provided to millions of students, particularly those requiring additional support. L.A. school board member Kelly Gonez articulated similar concerns, describing the cuts as a direct attack on the diverse populations that constitute the majority of students in the district.

The Department of Education’s budget was approximately $80 billion pre-Trump, but after the layoffs, political maneuvering has raised fears about a future where vital federal financial support might be curtailed or manipulated according to Trump’s ideological agenda. Some federal funding, crucial to programs like Title I for low-income students, is now mired in uncertainty, potentially affecting thousands of California students.

Moreover, the administration’s actions are being interpreted as an effort to control educational content and target institutions that align with what Trump defines as “woke” ideologies. Legal challenges have already arisen, with California joining other states in lawsuits against the federal government’s arbitrary cancellations of grants for teacher training programs aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion.

(h/t: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-12/trump-guts-education-department-sending-california-scrambling)

Trump’s Agenda Triggers Massive Layoffs at the Department of Education, Threatening Public Education Support

The U.S. Department of Education is facing drastic workforce reductions, with nearly half of its employees set to be laid off as part of President Donald Trump’s agenda to dismantle the agency entirely. This decision affects around 1,300 workers and follows the administration’s directives that prioritize efficiency and accountability while directly targeting public education resources.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon affirmed that the layoffs signal the first steps toward shutting down the Department of Education, an initiative championed by Trump despite the need for Congressional approval to fully eliminate the agency. During a Fox News interview, McMahon confirmed that the layoffs are indeed a precursor to the department’s closure, framing them as a response to “bureaucratic bloat.”

The implications of these cuts are profound, as they come alongside another round of terminations and voluntary separations from staff looking to escape the turmoil within the agency. Concerns have been raised regarding the capability of the remaining staff to manage essential federal student aid and educational resources following such significant staff reductions.

Unions representing education workers have vehemently condemned these layoffs. Leaders like Sheria Smith of the American Federation of Government Employees emphasized that such drastic measures reflect a disregard for the commitment of public servants while warning of the adverse effects on millions of American students who rely on the department for support and guidance.

The chaotic restructuring is indicative of Trump and the administration’s ongoing efforts to diminish the federal government’s role in education as they push for a radical reshaping of services that cater to the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Experts warn that insufficient staffing may jeopardize crucial educational programs and services, raising alarms about the future viability of public education initiatives.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/11/politics/department-of-education-cuts/index.html)

Trump Erodes Democracy with DOGE and Judiciary Attacks

Former President Donald Trump is undertaking drastic measures to reshape the federal government, primarily through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk. Trump recently signed an executive order granting DOGE unprecedented powers to significantly reduce the federal workforce, potentially undermining the capability of government agencies at a time when numerous court cases challenge Trump’s controversial policies. By limiting hires to one per four departures, this maneuver directly threatens essential services and oversight mechanisms.

Trump’s latest actions have exacerbated tensions with the judiciary. Following several rulings against his administration’s policies, Trump labeled judges as “political activists” and openly threatened their independence, which poses a grave danger to American democracy. His administration has targeted judges and judiciary members opposing his agenda. This hostile rhetoric and actions to intimidate judicial authorities underscore Trump’s consistent practice of undermining checks and balances, as exemplified by his misplaced focus on perceived corruption within courts rather than addressing ethical concerns within his own administration.

On the confirmation front, the Senate is set to vote on Tulsi Gabbard as intelligence chief and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. Supporting voices in the Senate include moderate Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, who may counterbalance the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of Trump’s cabinet selections. Given Trump’s previous reluctance to respect oversight, these positions could further enable his disregard for accountability, creating an administration that protects its own interests and those of its wealthy allies.

Moreover, Trump’s attempts to diminish federal regulatory oversight, specifically with authority granted to Musk’s DOGE, raise alarms about potential corruption and misconduct linked to corporate interests. Musk’s position in the government while managing significant business dealings creates clear conflicts of interest, yet Trump defends this troubling arrangement. This collusion between corporate elites and the government reflects a broader strategy that prioritizes the needs of wealthy individuals over the general public, effectively undermining democratic institutions.

In a climate characterized by hostility toward judicial authority and erosion of ethical standards, the implications of Trump’s rule are stark. His administration’s actions, combined with open threats to judges, present a chilling portrait of a regime keen on consolidating power at the expense of democratic values. From significant federal workforce cuts to targeting judges who resist his agenda, Trump remains dedicated to reshaping America into a service of corporate interests rather than democratic principles.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-presidency-tulsi-gabbard-confirmation-02-12-25/index.html)

Trump’s Plan to Abolish the Department of Education Threatens Access and Equity for Millions of Students

The White House is moving forward with plans for an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, a significant step that highlights the ongoing anti-education stance of Donald Trump and his Republican allies. This department, established in 1979, plays a crucial role in serving over 50 million students across more than 98,000 schools and administering essential financial aid to millions of higher education students. Trump’s efforts to abolish it come despite the overwhelming evidence of its necessity in promoting educational equity and access.

This executive order aligns with long-standing Republican goals to dismantle federal education programs. Trump made this pledge during his campaign, claiming that returning control to the states would somehow improve educational outcomes. However, this claim is misleading and ignores the reality that most states lack the resources and infrastructure to effectively support education without federal assistance. Critics, including Becky Pringle, head of the National Education Association, have warned that such a move would disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, disrupt vital student services, and increase class sizes, directly undermining students’ rights and educational prospects.

Historical attempts by Republicans, dating back to Ronald Reagan, to eliminate the Department of Education have failed due to bipartisan opposition. Recently introduced bills in Congress by Republican representatives demonstrate ongoing efforts but face significant hurdles, especially in the Senate, where bipartisan cooperation would be necessary to override a filibuster. Trump’s current push for an executive order is a clear indication of his willingness to bypass legislative processes to impose his radical education agenda, which focuses on the privatization of public education and a drastic reduction in federal oversight.

Trump’s education policies also reflect a toxic mix of misinformation and extremism, such as targeting critical race theory and enforcing civil rights investigations that cater to fabricated grievances rather than addressing real issues within educational institutions. This agenda poses serious threats to diversity and inclusion in American schools, fostering a discriminatory environment that could deepen social divides.

The implications of abolishing the Department of Education extend beyond the federal bureaucracy. It represents a broader assault on the principles that safeguard fair and equitable education for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. As we witness increasing hostility towards educational institutions and the vital services they provide, it is crucial to advocate for the protection of public education against these regressive policies championed by Trump and his Republican affiliates.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/white-house-preparing-executive-order-abolish-department-education-rcna190205)

Trump’s $10 Billion Lawsuit Against CBS Signals Republican Assault on Press Freedom

Former President Donald Trump’s recent legal maneuvers against CBS Communications highlight a disturbing trend in media manipulation and a blatant misuse of government power. Trump has filed a frivolous $10 billion lawsuit against CBS, alleging that the network’s “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris was deceptively “doctored” to aid her in the electoral process. This baseless claim reflects a broader Republican strategy to undermine journalistic integrity simply because the media does not align with their political narratives.

In concert with the lawsuit, a pro-Trump group has lodged a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the segment, prompting the agency’s new chairman, Brendan Carr—Trump’s own appointee—to request unedited footage and transcripts from CBS. This inquiry raises significant First Amendment concerns, as historically, the FCC has focused on technical broadcasting issues rather than scrutinizing news content, a shift that many legal experts view as an abuse of oversight powers for partisan purposes.

While the previous FCC chair, appointed by President Biden, dismissed the complaint as a threat to press freedom, Carr has revived it with alarming zeal. Legal advocates have criticized this direct attack on CBS as a retaliatory action aimed at instilling fear among broadcasters that produce content not favored by the Trump regime. Louisiana State University professor Christopher Terry notes that CBS “rolled over” to pressure stemming from both the lawsuit and the merger approvals with the Trump administration looming over their business prospects.

The implications of this situation extend beyond CBS; it signifies a dangerous precedent where coercion and intimidation are used to manipulate media coverage in service of political agendas. Former FCC commissioner Michael Copps remarked that this case illustrates a larger conflict between government efforts to control media narratives and corporate interests catering to that power. Allowing such abuse threatens the very foundation of American democracy.

Senator Ed Markey has publicly criticized Carr’s request, arguing that it transforms the FCC into a body of censorship rather than a facilitator of fair media practices. The overall climate of intimidation and the orchestrated push for compliance reflect the authoritarian impulses within the Republican party, replicating tactics seen in authoritarian regimes around the world and posing a direct threat to democratic principles in the United States.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/media/fcc-cbs-brendan-carr/index.html)

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