Stanford Lays Off 360 Staff Citing Budget Cuts Linked To Trump’s Federal Funding Policies

Stanford University Lays Off 360 Employees Amid Federal Budget Pressures

Stanford University has laid off more than 360 staff members, citing financial strain due to recent changes in federal funding policies under the Trump administration.

In a statement, a university spokesperson confirmed, “Stanford is in the process of making budget reductions. Last week, many departments reduced staff, resulting in 363 layoffs.”

The layoffs follow a $140 million cut in the university’s general funds budget for the upcoming academic year. Stanford attributes this cut to a tough financial climate, largely shaped by federal policy decisions affecting U.S. colleges.

The Trump administration has recently taken a hard stance against universities over campus protests related to the Gaza conflict, climate activism, and diversity policies. It has frozen federal funding for several institutions, including over $330 million withheld from UCLA, alleging the university failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

UCLA officials are reportedly preparing to enter talks with the federal government over the funding freeze, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Other universities like Columbia and Brown have reached financial settlements with the government, agreeing to pay $220 million and $50 million respectively. Harvard is still in discussions.

Critics warn that the government’s actions threaten academic freedom and free speech. While the Trump administration claims universities have allowed antisemitic behavior during protests, many rights groups argue that criticism of Israeli policies is being wrongly labeled as antisemitism.