From the very beginning, the second Trump Administration launched a systematic campaign attacking institutions of higher education, especially large research institutions that receive considerable federal grants. Below are some of the major moments in how these attacks have impacted Brown and how Brown has responded.
February 5, 2025
The Department of Health and Human Services begins a Title VI investigation into alleged antisemitism at Brown’s 2024 Medical School commencement.
February 7, 2025
Brown’s vice president for research submits two declarations in support of lawsuits filed by the Rhode Island attorney general to ensure continued federal research funding.
February 11, 2025
Brown is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the NIH 15% cap on indirect costs for research grants.
March 13, 2025
Brown institutes a staff-wide hiring freeze in response to federal government actions.
March 16, 2025
Brown Professor Dr. Rasha Alawieh is deported in defiance of a court order, despite having a valid visa.
April 2, 2025
Brown hires two lobbying firms, to lobby Congress and the Trump administration on its behalf.
April 4, 2025
Brown is informed of a potential freeze of $510 million in federal contracts and grants.
April 8, 2025
Congressional Republicans notify Brown and other Ivies that tuition and financial aid practices may violate federal antitrust laws.
April 10, 2025
One Brown international student and a small number of recent graduates have their visas revoked.
April 11, 2025
The Title VI investigation into allegations of antisemitism at Brown is expanded to include the entire university, and the entire time period from October 7, 2023 to the present.
April 14, 2025
Brown joins federal lawsuit challenging cuts to U.S. Department of Energy grant funding.
April 16, 2025
Brown takes out a $300 million loan amid federal funding uncertainty, budget deficit.
April 18, 2025
National Institutes of Health staff are instructed to freeze all agency funding to Brown and several other institutions.
April 22, 2025
Brown joins more than 150 universities in a letter condemning Trump actions
April 30, 2025
Brown launches Brunonian Advocacy page including a message from President Paxson that contains minimal concrete commitments for how Brown will fight back
May 6, 2025
Brown joins lawsuit against the National Science Foundation’s 15% cap on indirect costs
May 27, 2025
Trump administration orders all US embassies worldwide to immediately stop scheduling visa interviews for international students.
June 2, 2025
Alex Shieh ‘27, founder of the DOGE-inspired Bloat@Brown website, testifies at a congressional hearing about alleged tuition price-fixing among Ivy League institutions.
June 9, 2025
Brown joins Amicus brief in Harvard’s lawsuit against the Trump Administration federal funding freeze.
June 16, 2025
Brown joins lawsuit over Department of Defense indirect funding cuts.
June 18, 2025
US resumes visa applications for international students but demands access to social media accounts.
July 1, 2025
House Republicans subpoena Brown President Christina Paxson as part of a broader investigation into alleged price-fixing among the Ivy League.