Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's $1.2 Billion Demand Against UC, Citing Ideological Coercion

A federal judge in San Francisco has issued a preliminary injunction, effectively blocking the Trump administration from imposing a $1.2 billion fine or immediately cutting federal funding to the University of California system. The ruling came after the administration accused UCLA of allowing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, demanding the substantial payment to restore frozen research funds and ensure future eligibility.

U.S. District Judge Rita Lin's decision on Friday found "overwhelming evidence" that the Trump administration was engaged in a "concerted campaign to purge 'woke,' 'left,' and 'socialist' viewpoints from our country's leading universities." She noted that the administration's actions at UC constituted "coercive and retaliatory conduct in violation of the First Amendment and Tenth Amendment." Senator Scott Wiener, commenting on the decision, stated, "Trump’s illegal crusade against the UC — trying to extort $1.2B & impose vile MAGA political ideology — was correctly struck down."

The Trump administration had demanded UCLA comply with specific ideological views, including those on gender identity, and establish processes to screen foreign students for "anti-American, anti-Western or antisemitic disruptions or harassment." These demands were part of a settlement proposal made public in October, following the freezing of over $500 million in health and science research grants to UCLA. Judge Lin's injunction prevents the administration from conditioning federal funding on the UC's agreement to measures that would violate First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit was brought by labor unions and faculty associations representing UC workers, rather than the university system itself, which has been in settlement talks with the administration. University of California President James B. Milliken had previously described the $1.2 billion demand as a "gravest threat" to the UC system, which relies on billions in federal funding annually. Senator Wiener expressed pride in the UC's fight, adding, "It’s the only way to deal with authoritarianism."

Judge Lin's ruling highlighted that the administration failed to follow proper procedures for cutting funding, which typically require notice and a hearing. The decision is seen as a significant victory for academic freedom and free speech, as faculty and staff had reported a "chilling effect" on their teaching and research due to the administration's pressure. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect indefinitely as the broader legal merits of the case proceed.