Columbia University lays off 180 staff amid $400M Trump funding cuts

Columbia University has announced the layoff of approximately 180 staff members, constituting about 20% of those funded by now-terminated federal grants, after the Trump administration revoked $400 million in funding. The funding was cut due to the administration's claims that Columbia failed to adequately protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment and mishandled protests against Israel. University leadership described the layoffs as a difficult but necessary response to severe financial strain, which has also led to the scaling back of research projects in areas such as infectious diseases and maternal health. Columbia officials stated they are working to restore government partnerships and funding, while also taking steps to create financial flexibility, including offering voluntary retirement incentives. The funding cuts and layoffs have sparked concern about their long-term impact on research and academic work at the university. Faculty organizations have responded by filing lawsuits, arguing that the administration's actions are unlawful.