The article notes that institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, are involved in managing nuclear weapons labs or production sites. This association—highlighted in the context of Trump’s defense spending bill—implicitly ties the university to the military-industrial complex and its support of aggressive defense policies.

Amid a Trump administration-led investigation alleging that UC’s diversity-driven hiring practices may constitute illegal sex- and race-based discrimination, UC Berkeley stands by its commitment to fair, lawful, and inclusive faculty hiring. The university insists its diversity goals are part of a broader effort to foster an inclusive academic environment and comply with federal civil rights laws.

The Trump administration launched an investigation into UC Berkeley for allegedly failing to fully disclose foreign funding, reviving criticism over past partnerships with China's Tsinghua University. UC Berkeley denied the claims, stated it has cooperated with federal inquiries over reporting issues, and ended its affiliation with the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute.

UC Berkeley has been singled out in a probe by the Trump administration, following an order requiring higher education institutions to report major sources of foreign funding. The move is seen by many as an act of governmental overreach that targets academic freedom.

Campaign finance data associated with the University of California indicates significant contributions to progressive political entities, including nearly $3.9M linked to Democratic candidates such as Kamala Harris. This highlights the institution’s role in supporting liberal and anti-authoritarian values.

Faculty associations at multiple UC campuses, including UC Berkeley, have filed a complaint with the state Public Employment Relations Board alleging that the university's disciplinary actions and new protest restrictions are part of a campaign to suppress pro-Palestinian speech and chill academic freedom. The complaint highlights claims of labor violations and the targeting of faculty for their political expressions.

Faculty associations from multiple University of California campuses, including UC Berkeley Faculty Association, have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the California Public Employment Relations Board. The complaint alleges that the UC system interfered with academic freedom by denying faculty promotions, limiting access to workspaces, and suppressing discussions related to pro-Palestinian viewpoints.

UC Berkeley planned to deploy facial recognition cameras during Cal Day, raising significant concerns from civil liberties groups about invasive surveillance that may chill free speech, target protestors, and infringe on privacy rights.