Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Cornell University Reaches $60 Million Deal to Restore Federal Research Funding
Cornell University had its research money frozen by the government because of concerns about how it handled issues like antisemitism and discrimination.
The university and the government have now made a deal.
Cornell will pay $60 million in total, with half going to the government and the other half invested in farm research.
This agreement will unfreeze over $250 million for important science projects at Cornell.
The university also agreed to share student admissions data for a few years so the government can check if race is improperly considered.
Cornell says this deal lets them keep control of their research and teaching, while the government sees it as a win against certain university policies.
Cornell University reached a $60 million agreement with the Trump administration to reinstate over $250 million in frozen federal research funding.
The deal requires Cornell to pay $30 million to the U.S. government and invest an additional $30 million in agricultural research over three years.
Cornell must also provide undergraduate admissions data through 2028 to end government investigations into alleged antisemitism and discrimination.
The Trump administration cited the agreement as a victory against 'divisive DEI policies,' while Cornell stressed its ability to maintain academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
The funding was frozen in April due to the administration's concerns over the university's efforts to curb antisemitism.
- Who
- Cornell University and the Trump administration
- What
- Reached a $60 million agreement to restore over $250 million in frozen federal research funding, involving a payment, an investment in agricultural research, and data sharing.
- When
- Announced on Friday, November 8, 2025
- Where
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Why
- To end government investigations into alleged antisemitism and discrimination, and to reinstate federal research grants.
Cornell University
Trump Administration
Interpretation of Civil Rights Laws and DEI Policies
Cornell University
Cornell University emphasized that the agreement allows them to maintain control over hiring, admissions, and curriculum without intrusive government oversight and stressed that no part of the deal gives the U.S. authority to dictate academic content.
Trump Administration
The Trump administration framed the deal as a victory against 'divisive DEI policies' and highlighted Cornell's agreement to adopt the administration's interpretation of civil rights laws and use guidance on DEI and transgender-supportive policies.
Impact of Funding Freeze
Cornell University
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff stated that the funding freeze had stalled research, disrupted lives and careers, and threatened academic programs.
Trump Administration
Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted the deal as part of a broader push to address concerns about antisemitism and what the administration called 'divisive DEI policies' at universities.
- Restored Federal Funding
- Over $250 million
- Total Deal Value
- $60 million
- Direct Payment to U.S. Government
- $30 million
- Investment in Agricultural Research
- $30 million over three years
- Data Submission Requirement
- Undergraduate admissions data (race, GPA, test scores) through 2028
- Funding Freeze Reason Cited
- Insufficient efforts to curb antisemitism and alleged discrimination
