The Trump administration's vision for higher education is under siege as it ties public money to its own agenda, which includes defending 'the American tradition and Western civilization,' limiting protests and research, and preparing students for the workforce. This clash over the purpose of higher education could shape American culture for a generation or more, potentially hollowing out universities and imperiling research endeavors. Universities are already facing layoffs, hiring freezes, and federal investigations, and fear the government's financial might will influence curriculums, staffing, and admissions. With little public outrage and few vocal allies, academia is at a disadvantage against the administration's challenges to academic freedom and First Amendment protections.