Columbia University has agreed to pay $221 million to the U.S. government and over $20 million to Jewish employees to resolve claims of past discrimination, according to statements released yesterday. The university will also end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, shift to merit-based admissions, and protect student civil liberties, as part of a deal negotiated with the Trump administration. The settlement, announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi, aims to restore federal research funding that was previously canceled due to accusations of failing to address antisemitism on campus. Bondi stated that the deal is a "seismic shift" in holding institutions accountable for discrimination and harassment, noting a rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses following the October 7th massacre. President Donald Trump, who championed the fight against antisemitic discrimination, was thanked by Bondi for his "courage and vision." The deal requires Columbia to implement structural changes to its Faculty Senate and increase viewpoint diversity in its Middle Eastern studies programs. Separately, a billboard in Times Square displayed the message "TRUMP, WHY WON’T YOU RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES?" alongside images of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and redacted documents. Meanwhile, Bradley Edwards, an attorney for Epstein survivors, is scheduled to appear on The Last Word to discuss the Epstein files, which are reportedly in the hands of the Epstein estate and will be turned over by lawyers. In other developments, President Trump is scheduled to visit the Federal Reserve tomorrow. Australia will lift trade barriers on U.S. beef, removing a point of friction with the Trump administration. Former President Joe Biden has sold his memoir to Hachette Book Group for an advance reportedly in the range of $10 million. The 9th Circuit panel, in a 2-1 decision, upheld an injunction against Trump's anti-birthright citizenship executive order. The Department of Homeland Security account has been flagged for potentially being run by a "groyper" due to its messaging. Separately, a source claims New York City has reclassified migrant hotels as family shelters to avoid federal scrutiny, with staff instructed not to cooperate with federal authorities. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that deportations will increase and that 2025 will see the first net negative immigration number in decades. In political news, Gisele Fetterman expressed disinterest in her husband, John Fetterman, seeking higher office. Regarding the Epstein case, a 2010 deposition transcript shows Epstein pleading the Fifth, Sixth, and 14th Amendment rights when asked about socializing with Donald Trump in the presence of females under 18. Representative Ro Khanna stated he will work with Oversight Democrats to subpoena the Epstein birthday book, which is in the hands of the Epstein estate. Steve Bannon was also mentioned in relation to Epstein footage. Tulsi Gabbard has reportedly referred Barack Obama to the DOJ for criminal prosecution. Separately, 12 House Republicans voted against authorizing Coast Guard funding through 2029. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott was sworn into office. The Trump administration is also set to open the nation's largest immigration detention center in Texas under a $1.2 billion contract. Governor Laura Kelly, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, emphasized the focus of Democratic governors on state issues, contrasting with "Project 2025." A Trump-appointed federal judge denied the administration's bid to terminate collective bargaining agreements, citing Supreme Court warnings. There are discussions between the U.S. and South Korea regarding a fund to invest in American projects as part of a trade deal. Separately, a congressman wants to ban companies from using search history for personalized pricing. In a past context, nuclear weapons were reportedly stationed in Taiwan in 2009, and there was closer economic and military coordination with ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea. Another report described a hypothetical 2015 scenario involving President Cheney, NATO membership for Egypt, and events in Crimea and Iran.
