UC System Warns Billions Lost from Federal Cuts, UCLA Funding Frozen

University of California President James B. Milliken has warned state lawmakers of a severe threat to the entire UC system due to significant federal funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration. The administration has frozen over $500 million in research grants to UCLA amid allegations of antisemitism and demanded a $1.2 billion settlement, with potential cuts extending across all 10 UC campuses. The UC system receives more than $17 billion annually from the federal government, including Medicare, Medicaid, research funding, and student financial aid, and a loss of these funds would devastate the university, forcing reductions in classes, student services, and potentially causing tens of thousands of job losses. Milliken emphasized the economic and social importance of UC as a major employer and contributor to California's innovation, healthcare, and economy, warning that funding cuts could lead to researchers leaving and patients being turned away. He estimates that $4 to $5 billion annually in emergency state funds would be necessary to offset the loss and protect the university's future. California lawmakers have condemned the administration's actions as extortionate and have urged UC not to concede to the demands.