Introduction to the Trump Administration’s Settlement Demand
The Trump administration is seeking a $1 billion settlement from the University of California, Los Angeles, a White House official said Friday. This move comes after the administration suspended $584 million in federal grants, according to the university. The person who disclosed this information was not authorized to speak publicly about the request and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Background on the Suspension of Federal Grants
The Trump administration has suspended $584 million in federal grants, the university said this week. This action is part of a broader effort by the administration to address allegations of civil rights violations related to antisemitism and affirmative action at universities across the United States.
Allegations of Antisemitism at UCLA
In recent weeks, the Department of Justice has accused UCLA of antisemitism. This accusation is based on incidents where pro-Palestinian protesters allegedly blocked access to classes and other areas on campus for Jewish students and a Jewish professor. UCLA is the first public university whose federal grants have been targeted by the administration over such allegations.
Impact on UCLA and Its Students
The new UC president, James B. Milliken, said in a statement Friday that it had received notice from the Department of Justice and is reviewing it. Milliken emphasized the potential devastating impact of a $1 billion settlement on the university, stating, “As a public university, we are stewards of taxpayer resources and a payment of this scale would completely devastate our country’s greatest public university system as well as inflict great harm on our students and all Californians.”
Recent Settlements and Commitments to Campus Safety
UCLA recently reached a $6 million settlement with three Jewish students and a Jewish professor who sued the university, arguing it violated their civil rights by allowing pro-Palestinian protesters in 2024 to block their access to classes and other areas on campus. The university has said it is committed to campus safety and inclusivity and will continue to implement recommendations to address these issues.
Response from UCLA and the Department of Justice
The University of California, Los Angeles, has offered to engage in good faith dialogue with the Department of Justice to protect the University and its critical research mission. This dialogue is aimed at resolving the allegations and finding a mutually acceptable solution that does not severely impact the university’s operations or its ability to serve its students.
By MICHELLE L. PRICE, Associated Press
The Trump administration is seeking a $1 billion settlement from the University of California, Los Angeles, a White House official said Friday.
The person was not authorized to speak publicly about the request and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Trump administration has suspended $584 million in federal grants, the university said this week.
In recent weeks, the Department of Justice has accused UCLA of antisemitism.
UCLA is the first public university whose federal grants have been targeted by the administration over allegations of civil rights violations related to antisemitism and affirmative action. The Trump administration has frozen or paused federal funding over similar allegations against private colleges.
The new UC president, James B. Milliken, said in a statement Friday that it had received notice from the Department of Justice and is reviewing it.
“Earlier this week, we offered to engage in good faith dialogue with the Department to protect the University and its critical research mission,” Milliken said. “As a public university, we are stewards of taxpayer resources and a payment of this scale would completely devastate our country’s greatest public university system as well as inflict great harm on our students and all Californians.”
UCLA recently reached a $6 million settlement with three Jewish students and a Jewish professor who sued the university, arguing it violated their civil rights by allowing pro-Palestinian protesters in 2024 to block their access to classes and other areas on campus.
The university has said it is committed to campus safety and inclusivity and will continue to implement recommendations.
<p>Originally Published: August 8, 2025 at 3:25 PM EDT</p>Conclusion
The Trump administration’s demand for a $1 billion settlement from UCLA over allegations of antisemitism and the suspension of federal grants marks a significant development in the ongoing debate about campus safety, inclusivity, and the role of federal funding in higher education. The outcome of this situation will have far-reaching implications for UCLA, its students, and the broader higher education community.
FAQs
- Q: Why is the Trump administration seeking a $1 billion settlement from UCLA?
A: The administration is seeking this settlement due to allegations of antisemitism and the violation of civil rights on campus. - Q: How much in federal grants has the Trump administration suspended for UCLA?
A: The administration has suspended $584 million in federal grants. - Q: What was the recent settlement UCLA reached regarding allegations of antisemitism?
A: UCLA recently reached a $6 million settlement with three Jewish students and a Jewish professor who sued the university over allegations that it allowed pro-Palestinian protesters to block their access to classes and other areas on campus. - Q: What is the potential impact of a $1 billion settlement on UCLA and its students?
A: According to the UC president, James B. Milliken, such a payment would devastate the university system and inflict great harm on students and all Californians.
