US judge bars Trump administration from cutting off University of California funds

Federal judge Rita Lin cites playbook designed to bring universities to their knees' and force them to change their ideological tune'

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funding and threatening hefty fines against the University of California amid the administration's attempts to coerce elite US universities into adopting and promoting conservative ideals.

US district judge Rita Lin of San Francisco issued the preliminary injunction late Friday, saying the government was not allowed to demand payments from the California school system over the administration's claims that it violates civil rights by allowing antisemitism and practising affirmative action.