U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to cut federal funding to colleges that allow 'illegal protests', sparking concerns about freedom of speech and assembly. Trump's social media post echoes previous executive orders targeting the pro-Palestinian student protest movement. Civil rights groups criticize the threat, while the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression warns of the chilling effect on political speech. The U.S. government has limited control over schools and colleges, but federal funding can be used to encourage policy goals. Trump's executive order in January aimed to protect Jewish students and staff from antisemitism.