Trump Initiates $1 Billion Lawsuit Against UCLA Over Allegations of Antisemitism

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a substantial lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), claiming that the institution has failed to adequately address allegations of antisemitism on its campus. The lawsuit, which seeks $1 billion (approximately EUR860 million), was officially submitted to the university's administration, drawing immediate attention and concern regarding its potential impact.

UCLA President James Milliken confirmed that the university is currently reviewing the legal complaint. He expressed grave concerns that such a financial demand could have devastating effects on the institution, stating that a payment of this magnitude would threaten UCLA's very existence.

In addition to the lawsuit, reports indicate that the federal government is also demanding UCLA pay $172 million to a compensation fund aimed at supporting Jewish students and others who have faced discrimination.

UCLA is part of the broader University of California system, which encompasses ten campuses across the state. Milliken emphasized the critical role that UCLA plays in serving the public, citing its contributions to life-saving medical technologies and therapies that bolster both the economy and national security.

The amount Trump is seeking significantly surpasses the financial settlement reached by Columbia University earlier this year. In July, Columbia agreed to a much smaller payment following similar allegations related to antisemitism.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is a member of UCLA's board, publicly criticized Trump's lawsuit during a press briefing, indicating that the university would respond with its own legal action. Newsom accused Trump of attempting to undermine academic freedom and highlighted that UCLA would not follow the same path as Columbia, which he suggested had compromised its principles.

Trump's accusations against UCLA and other educational institutions stem from their alleged inaction during nationwide protests related to the conflict in Gaza. The protests, which erupted following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, were marked by significant anti-Israel sentiment and incidents of violence at various universities, including UCLA.

As the situation develops, the implications of this lawsuit could reverberate through the higher education landscape, raising questions about the balance between free expression and the responsibility of academic institutions to address hate speech and discrimination.