President Donald Trump issued a threat that federal funding would be reduced for schools that permit what he called "illegal protests."

Trump posted the message on Truth Social, writing, "All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests." He did not clarify what makes a protest "illegal."

In addition to the funding threat, Trump also demanded that "agitators" be put into prison and that American students who participate in such protests be expelled or arrested.

The action comes as the Trump administration puts Columbia University under review, a campus where there were massive protests last year against Israel's actions in Gaza. More than 100 students were arrested as a consequence.

The review may result in revocation of over $50 million in government contracts, with claims of failure to prevent the harassment of Jewish students.

Trump's comments have received sharp criticism from free speech groups. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) denounced his statements, emphasizing that the First Amendment protects even controversial political speech.

"The president does not have unilateral authority to revoke federal funds, even for colleges that allow 'illegal' protests," FIRE stated.

Trump acted further against campus activism in January by signing an executive order intended to fight antisemitism. The order has provisions for canceling student visas for foreign students who are deemed "Hamas sympathizers" and deporting participants in "pro-jihadist protests."

The Trump administration previously directed schools to cut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by February 28. New Department of Education guidance, though, has relaxed that position.

Under the new guidelines, merely employing words such as "diversity," "equity," or "inclusion" will not make a program illegal. Additionally, cultural and historical commemorations, such as Black History Month and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, will remain unaffected.

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