Katrina Armstrong resigns as interim president of Columbia University under Trump pressure

In March 2025, Columbia University's interim president Katrina Armstrong stepped down from her position, returning to her role as CEO of the university's Irving Medical Center. This resignation came during a tumultuous period for the university, marked by conflicts with the Trump administration over federal funding and allegations of antisemitism amid ongoing campus protests. The Board of Trustees co-chair, Claire Shipman, has been appointed as the acting president while a search for a permanent replacement is underway. Armstrong assumed the interim presidency in August 2024 following the resignation of previous president Minouche Shafik, who faced backlash over her management of campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Under Trump administration pressure, Columbia had agreed to implement significant policy changes to regain access to $400 million in funding, causing discontent among faculty members and raising concerns about academic freedom. Armstrong expressed her pride in leading the university during challenging times but clarified that her passion lies in healthcare and education, indicating a desire to return to her medical leadership role. The Trump administration had taken actions against Columbia, including withholding federal funding, due to perceived inadequate responses to antisemitism and protesters' actions on campus. This situation heightened the tension at the university, which was already dealing with heightened scrutiny regarding its policies and campus climate. Claire Shipman, the new acting president, has promised to confront substantial challenges that lie ahead, particularly in balancing the demands from the Trump administration with the ongoing protests from students advocating for Palestinian rights. As the university navigates this leadership change, it faces both internal and external pressures that could shape its future direction and academic environment significantly.