US Cuts $600M in Funding to Australian Universities Over 'Woke Gender Ideology'

The Trump administration has cut research funding to seven major Australian universities, including the Australian National University, University of Technology Sydney, and University of New South Wales, as part of a broader effort to curb support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This decision, which could lead to a total loss of up to $600 million, stems from the administration's opposition to what it terms 'woke gender ideology.' Researchers have been subjected to a detailed questionnaire assessing their compliance with anti-trans policies and other administration priorities, raising concerns about foreign interference in Australian research. Education Minister Jason Clare has expressed alarm over the potential impact on critical research areas, while the National Tertiary Education Union criticized the funding cuts as a blatant attack on academic freedom. The funding pause reflects a trend of tightening U.S. support for projects that do not align with current political ideologies, prompting fears about the reliability of American financial partnerships. Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy highlighted that these cuts could significantly affect Australia's research landscape, undermining collaborations that have historically benefited both nations.