According to an analysis by The New York Times, President Trump's top crosshair colleges have been experiencing a sharp increase in spending on lobbying.
The analysis shows that 10 universities selected by the administration lobbyed the federal government for $2.8 million over the first three months of 2025, spending $2.8 million in total, lobbying the federal government. The federal task force dedicated to eradicating anti-Semitism on campus targeted these schools in February for an investigation.
One of 10 people, Columbia University, more than tripled its lobbying spending in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Another Harvard University also significantly increased its lobbying spending, spending $230,000 compared to $130,000 in the same period last year.
Lobbyists generally seek meetings with White House and Congress staff to discuss issues affecting the institutions they represent. Public records show that in targeted schools, the issues in the first months of 2025 include, among other things, seeking student financial aid, promoting the value of university research, and explaining efforts to combat anti-Semitism.
The university, accused by the Trump administration of being a left-wing fortress, is seeking the help of businesses that are tailored to conservative sensibilities. Much of the new spending on lobbying is flowing to authentic Republican businesses.
The amount spent by schools on contracted lobbying companies increased nearly 150% from the first quarter of 2024 until this year. The analysis found that these schools rely more on lobbyists with Republican ties than they were a year ago.
The ten universities on the list of anti-Semitism task forces are two campuses (Berkeley and Los Angeles): Columbia, George Washington University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Northwestern University, University of Minnesota, University of Southern California, and the University of California System.
Last year, Palestinian rights protests broke out in all schools. Some Jewish students, alumni and lawmakers said activism has sometimes turned towards anti-Semitism, and Trump has pledged to address the issue during the presidential election. Proponents of the protests that Jewish students have often been led to have denied that behaviourism is anti-Semitic and say the accusations were used to suppress speeches.
Some companies lobbyed in the first quarter on behalf of several universities. Cornerstone Government Issues, for example, represent the NYU, Johns Hopkins, the University of Minnesota and the University of California system. Another company, BGR Group, received $140,000 in the Columbia lobby and was also lobbyed by the University of California System.
Nine of the 10 schools spent more money lobbying for the first three months of 2025 than at the same time last year. On the 10th, USC reported that it spent the same amount, but added a new subject that did not appear a year ago: “Issues Related to Anti-Semitism.”
The University of California system, lobbying on behalf of 10 schools, spent $930,000 in the first quarter of 2025, the highest number in the analysis.
The biggest increase over the year was Northwestern University, which spent more than five times the number of $607,000 in the first quarter of 2024.
Lobbying is one of several ways universities have prepared for federal attacks, suggesting cutting billions of research grants and university contracts. The administration also threatened to increase taxes on university contributions, restructure the accreditation process and, in some cases, revoke the tax exemption.
Some institutions, such as the University of California system, have eliminated or reduced diversity, equity and inclusive programming. Others, like Dartmouth University, who have so far avoided Trump's rage, have recently hired a former Republican National Committee advisor as general adviser. Additionally, some schools are cracking down on pro-Palestinian student activism.
Columbia spent $270,000 on lobbying in the first three months of 2025, becoming the administration's early target despite rising from $80,000 in the same period last year.
The university, which the government is threatening with a $400 million cut in funds, surrendered to several of the Trump administration's demands, including agreeing to create a new internal security force and bring research units in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa under the supervision of new administrators.
“Colombia values ​​our relationships with delegations and other officials at all levels of government,” Colombia spokesman Samantha Slater said in a statement on its lobbying efforts. “We want to tell our story about the vast impact that Colombian research and contributions have had on improving life and creating solutions to the most pressing challenges of society.”
Harvard's attempts to protect himself from attacks have also proven useless.
After months of efforts to reach an agreement with the government, Harvard rejected a wide range of requests that would have formed a major aspect of the university. Last week, Harvard sued the Trump administration.
In the first few months of 2025, when Harvard leaders believed they could dodge the attacks directly, the university paid $90,000 to Ballard Partners, the Capitol Hill lobbying company that is believed to be close to Trump. Key figures in the administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondy and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wills, previously worked for the company.
In the disclosure format, Harvard has identified several subjects in its lobbying activities, including financial aid issues, hospitalizations, athletics, graduation education, veteran education, and “The First Amendment and academic freedom issues.”
Some higher education leaders said increasing spending on lobbying is wise.
Lyn Pasqueraela, president of the American Association of Universities, said it's not surprising that universities are intensifying lobbying at the moment when the administration arms research funds as a way to punish higher education.
“We have to partner with lawmakers and business leaders,” she said.
Stephanie Saul Reports of contributions.
