United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to halt federal funding for colleges, schools, and universities that permit “illegal protests”.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also warned that protesters could face imprisonment, while foreign students involved in demonstrations risk deportation.

He said protesters who are American students would be expelled from the school based on their offence.

“All federal funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests,” Trump wrote.

“Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The announcement has sparked widespread debate across the US political landscape.

Supporters argue that the measure will help maintain order on campuses and prevent disruptions, while critics warn it could undermine free speech and disproportionately target specific groups.

The White House has not yet provided further details on how the policy would be implemented or what constitutes an “illegal protest”.

[TheCable]