In an exclusive interview, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise revealed a comprehensive strategy targeting universities that allow criticism of Israel, highlighting potential repercussions for these institutions. This announcement comes as leading Republicans threaten to withdraw billions in federal funding and revoke accreditation for prestigious schools that host pro-Palestinian protests on their campuses.

The Guardian has obtained video footage from a meeting last week in Washington, where Scalise spoke with representatives from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), a major pro-Israel lobbying group. During this discussion, Scalise articulated plans to launch a significant campaign against universities that do not suppress dissent regarding Israel’s actions.

He noted that if Donald Trump wins the presidency in November, this initiative would be closely aligned with the White House. Scalise cautioned, “Your accreditation is on the line. You’re not playing games anymore, or else you’re not a school anymore.”

The meeting, which took place on October 1, also included Scalise and Texas Republican Congressman Pat Fallon. While it was framed as a conversation about the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. following last year’s Gaza conflict, much of the dialogue centered on tactics to quell criticism of Israel.

Scalise specifically pointed out institutions like Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University, which have faced backlash for their handling of student protests related to the Gaza conflict. He criticized university leadership for seemingly being out of touch with broader public sentiments and expressed a readiness to use federal funds as a tool for accountability.

“We’re looking at the federal money, the federal grants that go through the science committee, student loans,” he explained. “There’s a lot of jurisdiction as president, with all these agencies involving billions of dollars.”

Scalise’s comments reflect a hardline approach toward what he perceives as anti-Israel sentiments on campuses. He condemned pro-Palestinian protests as “disgusting” and promised to introduce legislation aimed at countering such movements.

Additionally, efforts are underway to investigate colleges for alleged civil rights violations, with Scalise asserting that any institution found guilty could lose its accreditation. “If you’re a college that is violating the civil rights of your students, we’re taking away your accreditation,” he emphasized.

Mark Criley, from the American Association of University Professors, expressed concerns over the potential politicization of accreditation, which he believes could threaten free inquiry within academic environments. Scalise’s proposals closely align with Trump’s vision for a potential second term, where he aims to reshape the accreditation system to eliminate what he considers radical influences.

Reactions to these developments vary widely, with David Cole of the ACLU warning that the Republican campaign against universities in response to these protests poses a fundamental threat to academic freedom and could result in serious constitutional implications. As the political landscape shifts ahead of the upcoming election, the effects of these statements and actions are likely to reverberate throughout higher education in the United States.