In a pre-Hanukkah bid to crush growing evidence of anti-Semitism on college campuses, President Trump on Wednesday is signing a new executive order that would withdraw federal funds from schools that fail to move fast to investigate and punish those who target Jews and Israel.
Top administration officials confirmed to Secrets that the executive order has been in the works since July when the president raised concerns about polls and statistics showing a rise in anti-Semitic attacks and events at campuses.
He put top adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner in charge of coming up with the order. Kushner borrowed from the âAnti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2019,â proposed by Republican South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, pending in the Senate, for his model.
It would essentially add discrimination against Judaism to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that bars discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
Trumpâs action would require the Education Department to withdraw federal funds from colleges and universities that do not investigate cases of anti-Semitism and punish those involved.
It comes amid a wave of campus anti-Semitism cases and after the Education Department opened an investigation into New York University, accused of creating a hostile environment for Jewish students. Other colleges have also seen a spark in anti-Jew incidents.
The president wants the Education Department to use an internationally accepted definition of anti-Semitism that includes attacks on Israel. The reason, said a White House official, is because some anti-Semites âuse anti-Israel protests and positions to cover theirâ hate.
âThis is huge,â said an administration official, who added that Trump hopes it will also raise awareness to attacks on Jewish groups like last yearâs shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue and yesterday’s killings at a Kosher market in New Jersey.
The Trump presidency has been one of the most pro-Israel administrations ever. He has shifted the embassy to Jerusalem, recognized the Golan Heights as Israel’s, and taken other moves to bolster the relationship.
At the signing today, Trumpâs audience is expected to include several Jewish leaders and Democrats. Later tonight, Trump will attend the White House Hanukkah party and is likely to talk about his new order.
The involvement of Kushner, who is Jewish, was key in pushing the executive order through the hoops, said officials. He worked with Democrats, outside groups, and others to win support at a time when the White House is under impeachment threats.
âJared gets good things done with Democrats even in the unlikely climate of cooperation,â said an administration official. Kushner has been credited with pushing through or helping with criminal justice reform, the new North American trade deal, the Middle East peace plan, and even immigration reforms.
His top aide, Avi Berkowitz, a deputy assistant to the president, also played a large role within the administration, said officials.
