On Friday, President Donald Trump demanded a staggering $1 billion penalty from the University of California system as part of the administration’s continued allegations of antisemitism in UCLA’s handling of pro-Gaza student protests in 2024.
The proposed fine is five times larger than the settlement Columbia University agreed to in response to similar federal allegations, and according to a senior UC official, such a demand would “completely devastate” California’s public university system.
James Milliken, President of the University of California system—which oversees 10 campuses, including UCLA—confirmed that the $1 billion demand was received on Friday and said officials are currently evaluating the situation.
“As a public institution, we must responsibly manage taxpayer funds,” Milliken said. “A payment of this magnitude would not only cripple the nation’s premier public university system but also seriously harm our students and the broader California community.”
He emphasized the national importance of the UC system, particularly UCLA, in driving innovation, advancing medical breakthroughs, and contributing to economic and national security.
Reports indicate the federal government is seeking to collect the fine through instalments and is also pushing for a $172 million contribution to a compensation fund for Jewish students and others allegedly impacted by discriminatory practices.
The University of California system, whose campuses consistently rank among the top public universities in the U.S., is already contending with a federal freeze exceeding $500 million on UCLA’s medical and scientific research grants.
This latest action appears to follow the administration’s previous strategy used in negotiations with Columbia University — which agreed to policy changes, including a commitment to exclude race as a factor in admissions and hiring — and one the White House is now reportedly attempting with Harvard.
