UCLA President Sounds Alarm on ‘Grave’ $1.2 B Trump Administration Threat

Administration Proposal Spurs Alarm

The Trump administration has reportedly proposed a sweeping settlement targeting the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), demanding significant policy changes and imposing a nearly $1.2 billion fine over alleged civil rights violations. The plan drew sharp criticism from California leaders, with University of California (UC) President James B. Milliken warning that it poses “one of the gravest threats in UC’s 157-year history.” Cody Scanlan/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Conditions for Federal Funding

According to the draft settlement, UCLA would be required to adopt a more conservative agenda and issue a formal declaration of compliance. In exchange, the university could regain access to approximately $500 million in federal research grants. The proposal specifies, “Moreover, UCLA will ensure that the university is not financially reliant on foreign student admissions or partnerships with foreign entities.” John Guccione www.advergroup.com / Pexels

Financial and Transparency Demands

Beyond ideological changes, the plan mandates steep financial commitments. UCLA would be obligated to make $200 million in annual payments, create a dedicated civil rights fund, and publicly release detailed demographic data. These measures are intended to enforce what the administration describes as stronger civil rights compliance. Pixabay / Pexels

Ongoing Negotiations and Unanswered Questions

Talks between UC leaders and the Department of Justice remain underway, and UCLA has yet to accept the settlement terms. Adding to the controversy, UC Berkeley disclosed that it submitted the names of 160 faculty, staff, and students to federal authorities during a Department of Education civil rights investigation into alleged antisemitism and discrimination. United States Department of Justice / Wikimedia

Questions Over Proposal’s Accuracy

A Los Angeles Times review of the 28-page proposal reported numerous errors, suggesting that the document was likely rushed. These findings have intensified skepticism about the settlement’s origins and feasibility, even as federal and university officials continue to negotiate. Pixabay / Pexels