Cornell University Reinstates Federal Funding Through Agreement with Trump Administration

• Cornell University will pay $60 million to reinstate funding.
• The agreement includes investments in agricultural research amounting to $30 million.
• The university will conduct surveys to assess the climate on campus.

Cornell University has reached an agreement with the Trump administration to reinstate over $250 million in federal funding that was suspended due to violations of human rights. The agreement, announced on July 7, 2025, stipulates that the university will pay $60 million in the form of a fine, of which $30 million will go directly to the U.S. government, while the remaining $30 million will be invested in agricultural research in the U.S.

President of Cornell University Michael Kotlikoff stated that this agreement reaffirms the university's commitment to maintaining academic freedom and independence. Kotlikoff noted that financial difficulties arising from the suspension of funding have impacted research and education at the university.

In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the university is also required to conduct annual surveys among students, including students of Jewish descent, to assess the climate on campus. Additionally, Cornell will provide anonymous data on student admissions over the next three years.

This agreement is part of a broader policy by the Trump administration to control universities and their funding, which also includes similar agreements with other elite educational institutions, such as Columbia University and Brown University.

Tags: USA/Politics