Former President Donald Trump has issued a directive mandating a government-wide effort to combat antisemitism, including the deportation of activists engaged in anti-Jewish harassment or violence. Federal agencies have been given 60 days to identify legal mechanisms to address antisemitism and take action against those who violate the law.

The directive emphasizes the United States' commitment to vigorously combating antisemitism through legal means, including prosecution, removal, and holding perpetrators accountable. A White House fact sheet indicates the Department of Justice will take immediate action to maintain law and order and investigate anti-Jewish racism within educational institutions.

Trump also signed two executive orders related to education. One aims to withhold federal funding from K-12 schools that incorporate critical race theory or radical gender ideology into their curricula. The other promotes school choice initiatives. An additional executive order establishes a task force to plan the celebration of America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Furthermore, a previously signed order protecting American monuments and memorials has been reinstated, citing recent vandalism and assaults on federal officers connected to pro-Hamas activities.

Following a House Republican report urging stronger government action against antisemitism, including tying federal aid to colleges' anti-bias policies, Trump's directive comes amidst a backdrop of reported antisemitic incidents on college campuses, particularly after the 2023 terror attacks in Israel. The White House criticized the previous administration's alleged inaction on campus antisemitism. Trump's appointment of Rep. Elise Stefanik as U.N. ambassador signals strong support for Israel. Stefanik has been vocal against antisemitism on college campuses and has questioned university leaders about their handling of such incidents.

This action coincides with a recent controversy surrounding a temporary freeze on federal aid programs, which was subsequently paused by a federal judge and later rescinded by the Trump administration. During his first term, Trump had threatened to withhold funding from cities failing to address anti-police riots.