100+ US Jewish Leaders Condemn Trump Campus Antisemitism Claims, Deportations

President Donald Trump's administration has faced significant criticism from Jewish community leaders, university officials, and students for its approach to combating antisemitism on college campuses, particularly through threats to cut federal funding. More than 100 signatories, including university presidents and anti-Zionist activists, signed a Jewish open letter denouncing Trump’s use of antisemitism claims as a pretext to target pro-Palestinian student activists and deport non-citizen students, framing it as an attack on free speech. UCLA experienced a suspension of approximately $584 million in federal research funding after allegations of tolerating antisemitism, which some Jewish community members say has harmed the community and raised concerns about due process and academic freedom. Polls indicate that while most American Jews are concerned about antisemitism on campuses, a majority oppose withdrawing research funds as a tactic, viewing Trump’s actions as politically motivated rather than genuinely protective. The controversy highlights tensions between addressing antisemitism and preserving free speech and highlights the complexities of campus protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that the administration’s measures risk undermining fundamental rights and are seen by many in the Jewish community as weaponizing antisemitism accusations for political ends.