Trump Administration Announces Sanctions on Foreign Entities Funding Pro-Hamas Campus Protests

The Trump administration is advancing plans to impose sanctions on foreign funders behind pro-Hamas protests erupting on U.S. college campuses, senior officials revealed. The move specifically targets wealthy individuals, including prominent Qatari nationals, who are believed to be financing groups like Students for Justice in Palestine.

This effort builds upon President Trump’s January executive order authorizing the deportation of foreign students participating in anti-Semitic and often illegal campus protests. The administration now seeks to expand the policy by focusing not just on protestors, but also the money fueling the unrest.

"President Trump has made it a priority to ensure that Jewish students, indeed all students, feel safe and free from harassment on college campuses," said a senior U.S. official. "To that end, his administration is taking a comprehensive approach, going after the people funding the protests, wherever they may be."

Key among the individuals reportedly under scrutiny are former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani and former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Both are co-owners of luxury assets in the U.S., including the Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel, and maintain close financial ties to Hamas a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

The administration’s strategy mirrors its recent actions at the southern border and against Chinese officials complicit in human rights violations. Sanctions and visa revocations are on the table, and congressional Republicans are reportedly working on parallel legislative measures to punish foreign entities funding antisemitic, pro-Hamas propaganda in the U.S.

Rabbi Pini Dunner, who has led protests against Qatari-owned businesses in the U.S., met with Trump officials and lawmakers earlier this year. He confirmed that visa restrictions and business operations of Qatari nationals are being actively reviewed.

A senior GOP congressional official reinforced this stance, stating, "There are mountains of evidence that Qatar paid for groups committed to halting Israel’s campaign against Hamas. Republicans will look to punish those responsible."

This bold policy shift underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to safeguarding American campuses, standing firmly against foreign-backed antisemitic influence.

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