Amid the Trump administration's sweeping measures targeting Ivy League institutions, Princeton University was included in the list of universities whose federal funding was suspended. The funding freeze came as the university, along with others, refused to comply with demands to eliminate DEI policies and alter governance structures, reflecting its commitment to academic freedom and the protection of marginalized communities.

Following the Trump administration's suspension of $210 million in federal funding to Princeton University as part of a broader crackdown on campus policies, the university reaffirmed its commitment to fighting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.

During a lecture featuring former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at Princeton, protests erupted with demonstrators using antisemitic slurs, including telling a student to 'go back to Europe' and calling her 'inbred swine'. Princeton President Eisgruber expressed his appall at the hateful rhetoric, announced an investigation, and indicated that disciplinary measures would be considered for those involved. The incident has raised concerns over campus safety and administrative oversight, occurring amidst broader tensions and recent funding controversies related to antisemitism.

On April 1, 2025, Princeton University announced that several federal research grants from agencies including the Energy Department, NASA, and the Defense Department were suspended by the Trump administration. In response, University President Chris Eisgruber reaffirmed Princeton's commitment to fighting antisemitism, defending academic freedom, and upholding due process, signaling a stance against the politically motivated funding cuts.

Amid the Trump administration's suspension of dozens of federal research grants linked to antisemitism investigations, Princeton University, through President Eisgruber, stated its commitment to fighting antisemitism and defending academic freedom, while pledging to cooperate with government efforts to combat discrimination.

On April 1, 2025, the Trump administration suspended $210 million in research grants to Princeton University as part of an investigation into alleged antisemitism on campus. In response, Princeton’s leadership, led by President Christopher Eisgruber, emphasized their commitment to combating antisemitism, defending academic freedom, and standing by the university’s longstanding support for its Jewish community. The university has also initiated a hiring freeze in anticipation of further funding changes.

After the Trump administration suspended a host of federal grants to Princeton University, President Chris Eisgruber reaffirmed the university’s commitment to combating antisemitism, upholding academic freedom, and ensuring due process, positioning the institution as a defender of progressive and anti-authoritarian values.

The OpenSecrets profile of Princeton University reveals that during the 2024 cycle, the university (or its affiliates) was associated with $1,158,120 in political contributions and $460,000 in lobbying expenditures. Additionally, the profile highlights that a significant proportion of Princeton University lobbyists—2 out of 3 in 2023 and 2 out of 4 in 2024—had previously held government positions, indicating a revolving door dynamic that raises concerns about undue political influence and conflicts of interest.

Graduate students at Princeton University overwhelmingly voted against unionizing, while postdoctoral researchers supported unionization. Internal communications and a restrictive definition of 'worker' raised concerns that the university's policies may be undermining fair labor practices and workers' rights.

Postdoctoral researchers at Princeton University successfully voted to unionize, with 484 in favor and 89 against joining the UAW. The decision, confirmed on May 10, 2024, signals a strong move towards improved labor rights and collective bargaining at the institution.

Princeton University spent $490,000 on lobbying activities during 2023, indicating active efforts to influence policy through political spending.

Princeton University reported spending about $400,000 on direct lobbying through its Office of Government Affairs. The lobbying efforts aim to support progressive policies such as enhanced federal research funding, improved immigration policies like the continuation of DACA, and greater educational opportunities including increased Pell Grants and financial aid initiatives that benefit marginalized communities.

In response to unionization campaigns and worker demands from graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, Princeton University increased its minimum postdoc salary from $54,840 to $65,000—a move that underscores the institution's responsiveness to labor rights and progressive worker policies.

Over 150 graduate students, undergraduates, and post-graduate fellows gathered as part of a union rally organized by Princeton Graduate Students United (PGSU) to demand fair wages, improved housing, and better support for international students. The protest underscores significant dissatisfaction with the university's current labor practices.