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How scientists are pushing back against Trump’s funding ‘deal’ for universities

Seven institutions have so far rejected the administration’s list of demands over academic freedom and other concerns.
By
  1. Dan Garisto
  2. Alexandra Witze
  3. Jenna Ahart

US President Donald Trump asked US universities earlier this month to sign a ‘compact’ aligning their student admissions, hiring and research with his administration’s priorities — or risk forfeiting federal research funds. Many scientists have been calling on their institutions to reject the offer.

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Nature 646, 1034-1035 (2025)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-03427-4

Updates & Corrections

  • Update 20 October 2025: This story was updated after the University of Arizona in Tucson rejected the Trump administration's compact offer.

  • Correction 28 October 2025: An earlier version of this story said that Brown University paid US$50 million to the US government. It agreed to pay that amount over ten years to organizations in its home state to support workforce development.

  • Update 21 October 2025: This story was updated to include a statement issued by Vanderbilt University.

  • Clarification 28 October 2025: An earlier version of this story referred to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Education. It is now the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

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