Federal Overreach and the Dangerous Precedent of Political Extortion

I am writing to express deep concern over the federal government’s decision to withhold previously approved funding from Columbia University unless it complies with political demands. This is not governance—it is extortion. If allowed to stand, this tactic could be used against any business or institution, threatening economic freedom and democracy itself. The $400 million withheld from Columbia was not part of a competitive grant process—it had already been awarded. If the administration were reviewing future funding, that would be one thing. But retroactively revoking funds to force compliance is a dangerous precedent. This is an abuse of power that turns federal resources into a tool for political enforcement. Why This Matters for Businesses If this tactic works against Columbia, it could be used to pressure any company that relies on federal contracts or funding: • Businesses could be forced to change policies or hiring practices to align with government ideology or risk losing approved contracts. • Regulations could be selectively enforced to punish companies that don’t comply with political demands. • A chilling effect on free enterprise could emerge, where businesses self-censor or preemptively comply out of fear of retaliation. This is a Test Case for Expanded Federal Control What is happening at Columbia is not an isolated incident—it is a trial run for broader federal overreach. If successful, this approach could be used against private businesses, nonprofits, and other institutions that do not conform to the administration’s agenda. Congress Must Act Now I urge you to: 1. Hold hearings on the use of federal funds as political leverage. Transparency is critical. 2. Pass legislation preventing retaliatory defunding. Once funding is lawfully approved, it should not be revoked as a coercion tool. 3. Ensure businesses are protected. If universities can be targeted, any business could be next. This is about more than Columbia. It’s about ensuring that government cannot extort private institutions for political gain. I urge you to take a stand before this dangerous precedent expands further.