Why the Trump administration is investigating three of America’s top medical schools – explained

The letters were signed by Harmeet K Dhillon, the Justice Department’s Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. She also shared a photo on social media while signing one of the letters, writing: “Launching a series of civil rights investigations. Another day in heaven!”

“At this time, our investigation will focus on possible racial discrimination in medical school admissions,” Dillon wrote in each letter.

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so far, The government’s main concern is Issues such as anti-Semitism, transgender athlete policies and general admissions practices at universities such as Harvard, Penn and UCLA. By also targeting medical schools, the government is extending its reach and focusing directly on scientific institutions.

There is a larger political angle as well. President Trump I believe many universities are opposed to his conservative views. As such, these surveys are viewed as part of a broader effort to shift the political and racial balance in higher education.

All three schools are major recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In 2025, Stanford University will receive $575 million, UC San Diego will receive $427 million, and Ohio State University will receive $210 million. This gives the government strong financial powers over these universities.