Students return to transformed campuses: How Trump’s assault on higher education is reshaping American universities

US students are returning to campuses transformed by President Donald Trump’s policies targeting higher education. Universities face funding cuts, dismantled diversity initiatives, and disciplinary measures over pro-Palestinian activism. Academic programmes have been slashed, international students deterred, and institutional autonomy curbed through government settlements. Faculty and students report a climate of fear and censorship. Legal challenges and mass strike preparations are underway as higher education stakeholders respond to what is described as an unprecedented federal intervention.