Washington, D.C. – Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and head of the Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, asserted a resolute "NO DEALS!!!!" policy regarding the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at eliminating antisemitism. Terrell emphasized that Jewish students are entitled to the same rights and privileges afforded to all Americans, underscoring the administration's firm commitment to this directive.
The stance comes as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to combat antisemitism, particularly on college campuses. President Trump's Executive Order 13899, initially signed in December 2019, mandated that federal agencies consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This order effectively treats antisemitism as a form of discrimination prohibited under Title VI, extending protections to Jewish individuals.
Building upon the 2019 order, President Trump issued Executive Order 14188, "Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism," in January 2025. This expanded directive called for marshalling all federal resources to address the rise in antisemitism, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023. It requires federal departments to identify legal tools to combat antisemitism and analyze pending complaints against higher education institutions.
Leo Terrell was appointed to lead the multi-agency Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which operates under the Department of Justice. The task force's primary focus is to eradicate antisemitic harassment in schools and on college campuses, investigating allegations of discrimination and ensuring institutions protect Jewish students and faculty. Attorney General Pam Bondi has publicly supported and followed President Trump's directives in these efforts.
The "NO DEALS!!!!" declaration by Terrell, shared on social media and tagging Attorney General Pam Bondi, reflects the administration's uncompromising approach to enforcement. The task force has already initiated investigations into several universities, signaling a readiness to take strong action against institutions perceived as failing to address antisemitism adequately. This includes potential legal action and significant cuts in federal funding for non-compliant institutions.
The administration's aggressive enforcement strategy aims to ensure that Jewish students are fully protected under civil rights laws, asserting that antisemitism will not be tolerated. This firm position underscores a commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of Jewish communities across the United States.