UC president tells regents Trump ‘casts a dark shadow' over system's future

University of California Faces Challenges from Federal and State Funding Pressures

The University of California (UC) is navigating a complex landscape of challenges, with threats coming from both the federal government and state budget constraints. President James Milliken recently addressed the UC regents, expressing deep concerns about the impact of the Trump administration on the university's future. He warned that the administration's actions cast a "dark shadow" over the institution, emphasizing the risks to its stability and mission.

Milliken highlighted the recent freeze on federal research grants to UCLA, which has placed the public university in a crisis. This action, part of a broader effort by the Trump administration, has raised alarms across all 10 UC campuses. The president pointed out that the $17 billion in federal funding the university receives annually—through programs like Medicare, Medicaid, research grants, and student financial aid—is now under threat.

During the regents meeting in San Francisco, Milliken stressed that the situation represents one of the most significant threats to the UC system in its 157-year history. He urged the board to remain vigilant and not be intimidated by the administration’s actions. However, many members of the UC community, including students, alumni, and staff, have called for a strong stance against what they see as an overreach by the federal government.

Public comment sessions at the meeting featured passionate voices advocating for resistance. Jason Rabinowitz, a former UC Davis labor law professor and leader of Teamsters Local 2010, urged the regents not to "capitulate" to the administration. He criticized the government’s attempt to force UC to alter policies that support racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities, calling it an act of "extortion."

Other speakers echoed these sentiments. Melanie, a caller who benefited from gender-affirming care at a UC hospital, expressed concern over the administration’s efforts to limit such services. She emphasized the importance of protecting trans and nonbinary individuals. Similarly, a UCLA employee encouraged the regents to stand firm against the Trump administration’s demands.

Peyrin Kao, a UC Berkeley lecturer and activist, shared his personal fears after learning that his name was included in a list of 160 individuals provided to the Trump administration as part of an investigation into anti-Jewish discrimination complaints. His family now faces safety concerns due to the ongoing scrutiny.

The Trump administration has taken a broad approach to influencing universities, targeting areas such as hiring practices, student admissions, sports, scholarships, and the definition of gender identity. Reports suggest that the administration is seeking greater oversight of UCLA, further intensifying the pressure on the university.

In addition to federal challenges, UC is also grappling with state-level financial issues. During the meeting, UC’s finance team presented a report indicating that state funding will not cover the expected cost increases for the 2025-26 academic year. The five-year compact between the state and UC, intended to provide additional funding, has fallen short. While the agreement aimed to increase funding by over $900 million, only $515 million has been delivered so far.

Despite this shortfall, UC has exceeded enrollment targets set by the compact. The university enrolled more California residents than initially planned, demonstrating a commitment to serving in-state students. Officials noted that managing enrollment is more of an art than a science, making precise projections difficult.

In response to the growing challenges, state lawmakers introduced SB607, a bill aimed at using state funds to support scientific research threatened by the Trump administration. The proposed measure would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research, allowing voters to decide on research priorities. UC officials have expressed support for the initiative, seeing it as a critical step in safeguarding the university’s mission.