How Is Trump Trying to Change Higher Education?

November 18, 2025

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President Trump’s administration has swiftly sought to advance major changes across higher education, such as eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on campuses; punishing individuals and institutions over allegations of antisemitism; and laying off 1,300 employees in the Education Department.

The Chronicle is tracking executive orders, statements from Trump, and agency actions that affect higher education, plus legal challenges directed at those measures. The tracker focuses on four areas: civil rights, research, policy, and immigration.

Newest Updates

No more cuts for now: A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s efforts to cut off research grants and force major policy changes at the University of California at Los Angeles. See more in Civil Rights.

President tells all: Jim Ryan, former president of the University of Virginia, released a letter detailing the events that led up to his resignation in June and alleging some members of the university’s governing board were “complicit” in forcing him out. See more in Civil Rights.

Civil Rights

The Trump administration has threatened colleges’ federal funding over alleged violations of civil-rights laws.

Immigration

The Trump administration has come after the thousands of international students and scholars who study and teach in the United States.

Policy

The Trump administration has sought to crack down on colleges while also slashing Education Department staffing, programs, and contracts.

Research

The Trump administration has sought to shrink longstanding federal support for research by billions of dollars.

Contributors: Dan Bauman, Sarah Brown, Jacquelyn Elias, Alissa Gary, Kate Hidalgo Bellows, Eric Kelderman, Brian O’Leary, Megan Zahneis

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