What A Day Podcast Summary
Episode: In Trump vs Universities, Students Are Stuck In The Middle
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host: Josie Duffy Rice (in place of Jane Coaston)
Produced by: Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of What A Day, host Josie Duffy Rice delves into the escalating conflict between the Trump administration and American universities. The discussion highlights the pressures universities face from federal mandates, the resulting impact on student activism, especially at institutions like the University of Southern California (USC), and broader implications for higher education and research funding in the United States.

Trump vs. Universities: A Battle Over Autonomy and Funding

Josie Duffy Rice opens the conversation by outlining the Trump administration's aggressive stance towards universities, positioning the federal government in an "unwinnable fight" with these institutions. Universities are caught between complying with the administration's authoritarian demands or risking substantial federal funding losses, including critical medical research grants.

• Quote:
  "In just his first 100 days, Trump has managed to fundamentally reshape the relationship between the federal government and many of the nation's most revered universities."
  — Josie Duffy Rice [02:24]

Student Activism and Campus Security at USC

The episode features an in-depth interview with Nathan Elias, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Trojan, USC's student newspaper. Nathan discusses the aftermath of last spring's protests, where nearly 100 students were arrested for their involvement in a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.

• Campus Lockdown:
  USC has significantly increased campus security, installing gates around key areas such as Alumni Park. Entry now requires scanning a student or faculty ID, or presenting a government-issued ID. The heightened security presence has led to a noticeable decrease in on-campus protests, pushing student activism to the periphery.

  • Quote:
    "Our campus has been locked down. Each day you have to scan your ID to get inside... There's a greater sense of vigilance."
    — Nathan Elias [03:28]

Impact on International Students

USC hosts a substantial population of international students, who are increasingly anxious due to the Trump administration's efforts to deport those involved in protests and other activities. Nathan highlights the palpable fear among these students, exacerbated by administrative orders targeting specific nationalities, such as Chinese nationals.

• Quote:
  "There's palpable fear based on the uncertainty that the Trump administration is creating."
  — Nathan Elias [04:51]

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Under Threat

The Trump administration has targeted DEI initiatives, prompting universities like USC to modify or conceal these programs to safeguard funding. Despite efforts to downplay DEI language, accusations persist that institutions remain too "DEI friendly."

• Quote:
  "USC is essentially folded to the Trump administration in many ways... there's not much hope at the moment that USC will not fold to these demands."
  — Nathan Elias [08:33]

Nathan recounts how research projects, including those in the humanities and medical fields, have been paused or canceled to comply with federal expectations. This strategic compliance is viewed as a necessary measure to avoid further budget cuts amidst an already strained financial situation due to previous legal settlements exceeding $1 billion.

• Quote:
  "They're trying to comply as much as possible to avoid any more blows to our budget, which is already really limited."
  — Nathan Elias [06:08]

Trump’s Reshaping of Federal and University Relations

Josie emphasizes that Trump's policies have reshaped federal relationships with universities, potentially affecting everyone reliant on university-driven medical research and innovation. Current students bear the immediate brunt, facing restricted freedoms and uncertain futures in their academic pursuits.

• Quote:
  "This has real impacts on people... When or if our school ends up being targeted, does that mean our newspaper can't hire any more people?"
  — Nathan Elias [12:15]

Trump’s Comments on Deportation Authority

Transitioning from university issues, the episode covers President Trump's admission of having the authority to reverse deportations, specifically referencing Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported to El Salvador. During an interview, Trump contradicted previous statements by asserting, "I follow the law," despite evidence suggesting his administration attorneys control these decisions.

• Quote:
  "If I were the president that just wanted to do anything, I'd probably keep him right where he is. The Supreme Court says what the law."
  — President Donald Trump [16:24]

This exchange underscores the tension between Trump's public assertions and the legal constraints imposed by his administration's legal team, highlighting inconsistencies in the administration's approach to immigration enforcement.

US-Ukraine Economic Partnership Amid Ongoing Conflict

The podcast shifts focus to international relations, highlighting the recent US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund agreement. Announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, this deal aims to bolster Ukraine's economic recovery by leveraging mutual investments and resources.

• Quote:
  "Today's agreement signals clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term."
  — Scott Besant [17:56]

This partnership comes after a strained Oval Office meeting and signals continued US support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression, reinforcing long-term cooperation between the two nations.

Economic Indicators: GDP Decline Under Trump

The episode discusses the disappointing first-quarter GDP numbers, marking the first decline in three years. Peter Navarro, the President’s trade advisor, dismisses the negative GDP report as misattributed to Biden's term, despite the economy showing signs of contraction primarily due to increased imports and decreased government spending.

• Quote:
  "That's Biden, that's not Trump, because we came in on January."
  — Peter Navarro [19:57]

Economists caution that the GDP figures may not fully capture the economic landscape, noting that the surge in imports might be a response to impending tariffs announced by Trump in April.

Supreme Court Case: Funding Religious Charter Schools

A significant Supreme Court case is highlighted, challenging the constitutionality of state funding for religious public charter schools. The case, originating from Oklahoma, questions whether the First Amendment permits or mandates states to fund such institutions.

• Key Points:

  • The Trump administration supports Saint Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School in seeking charter status.
  • Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general opposes the funding, leading to a polarized legal battle.
  • Justice Brett Kavanaugh appears supportive of the Catholic school, while the three liberal justices lean towards Oklahoma’s stance.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts may serve as the deciding vote, potentially resulting in a tie that upholds the state's initial ruling against funding.

• Quote:
  "We can do everything else that seems [to admit] to all comers except religion."
  — Scott Besant [21:30]

The outcome of this case could redefine the separation of church and state, having profound implications for public education funding and religious freedoms.

International Perspectives and Additional News

In its closing segments, the podcast briefly touches upon international developments:

• UK Supreme Court Ruling on Trans Rights:
  The UK Supreme Court recently ruled that the legal definition of "woman" is based on biological sex, a decision criticized as a setback for transgender rights.

• Australian Elections:
  With Australia heading to polls, discussions explore what the US and UK can learn from its voting system, emphasizing the relevance of the Commonwealth in the current geopolitical climate.

Conclusion

This episode of What A Day provides a comprehensive analysis of the Trump administration's impact on American universities, highlighting the struggles faced by students and institutions amid federal pressures. It underscores the broader implications for research funding, international student communities, and the foundational values of higher education. Additionally, the episode touches upon significant economic indicators, international relations, and pivotal Supreme Court cases, offering listeners a thorough overview of the critical issues shaping the nation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I am saying it clear and loud."
  — Nathan Elias [02:11]

• "USC is essentially folded to the Trump administration in many ways... there's not much hope at the moment that USC will not fold to these demands."
  — Nathan Elias [08:33]

• "If I were the president that just wanted to do anything, I'd probably keep him right where he is."
  — President Donald Trump [16:24]

• "Today's agreement signals clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term."
  — Scott Besant [17:56]

• "That's Biden, that's not Trump, because we came in on January."
  — Peter Navarro [19:57]

This summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions, providing valuable insights and detailed analysis for listeners seeking to understand the multifaceted challenges facing American higher education and the broader socio-political landscape.