**This is a developing story and will be updated to reflect changes in federal policy as they arise. Check back here for updates.**
On Jan. 26, the Trump administration issued an order that froze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. While the White House rescinded the order on Jan. 29, confusion and frustration remained rampant across the country. Research institutions were some of the many impacted by the directive.
Scientific grants issued by the National Science Foundation were frozen, which greatly impacted University research and prompted frustration among students and researchers alike. Such grants pay for scientific equipment and salaries and keep experiments running.
The freeze on federal loans and grants, along with other controversial policies by the Trump administration, sparked public outcry. These policies included immigration policies, the proposed deportation of non-citizen students involved in Palestinian protests and attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. In response, protesters rallied in front of the Illini Union last Saturday at 1 p.m.
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Tony Mirasola, graduate student studying physics, was one of many students attending the protest. Mirasola is the co-president of the Graduate Employees’ Organization, a labor union representing graduate students.
“Funding freezes are absolutely devastating to research and scientific innovation in America because, basically, all scientific research that happens at universities depends on federal research grants,” Mirasola said.
On his inauguration day, the Trump administration also froze the United States Agency for International Development’s funding. This had ramifications on research conducted both domestically and abroad.
Peter Goldsmith is a professor in ACES and director of the Soybean Innovation Lab. He recently announced that the USAID funding freeze forced the SIL to close down.
“These individuals are not only unique experts in the field of tropical soybean, but also close colleagues and friends who are now unexpectedly out of work,” Goldsmith said on LinkedIn. “The land grant system now loses 19 crown jewel Innovation Labs, across 17 states, that delivered high and measurable impact on very little investment.”
UI System President Tim Killeen released a Massmail on Jan. 29 delineating how the UI System plans to navigate potential federal funding changes.
“We are working closely with the Illinois congressional delegation to understand this evolving landscape and to continue advocating for public higher education,” the Massmail said. “We will continue to communicate with you as we gain clarity and, as we do learn more, we will make recommendations about how to proceed in ways that are both consistent with the law and our values and anchored in our responsibility to work on behalf of the people of our state.”
Last Wednesday, Chancellor Robert Jones released a Massmail announcing that the University assembled a Federal Updates Steering Group comprised of experts. The group will address the impacts of the new federal directives on the University, focusing on immigration, expanding access, research funding and the University workforce.
The message also included the new informational federal updates website. The website contains resources and answers to frequently asked questions surrounding the matter.
Students, faculty and staff seeking additional resources and information are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] for guidance on how to navigate the new updates.
“Throughout this work, we will hold fast to our core principles of safeguarding the university’s land-grant mission; adhering to relevant laws and regulations; and supporting the wellbeing and privacy of all members of our campus community,” Jones said in the Massmail.
Ari Waldman is a law professor at UC Irvine with experience testifying before the U.S. Congress. He expanded on the legal implications of the Trump administration’s funding freeze.
“The administration’s attempt to impose a blanket freeze on already appropriated funds is both a bald attempt to impose ideological conformity on the country (so, fascistic) and violates the impoundment act, which Congress passed after Nixon refused to use appropriated funds for their intended purpose and instead used them to fund his war in Vietnam,” Waldman said in an email statement to The Daily Illini.
Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) similarly expounded on how the Trump administration’s order undermined Congress’ authority. Budzinski’s district encompasses the University’s campus.
“This announcement is a blatant dismissal of Congress’ constitutional authority over the power of the purse,” Budzinski said in a press release. “Federal grant funding isn’t wasteful spending — it’s essential assistance that millions of Americans depend on.”
A website containing information on the campus’ position on the issue can be found here.
