TheJoint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism was announced by theUS Department of Justice within the first two weeks of thesecond presidency ofDonald Trump.[1] Its initial priority was to "root out antisemitic harassment in schools and on college campuses."[1] It is led byLeo Terrell.[2] The Task Force cut funding to ten US universities the Trump accused ofantisemitism, includingColumbia University,Harvard University, theUniversity of California, Los Angeles, and others with the Department of Justice,Department of Health and Human Services,Department of Education, and theGeneral Services Administration as members of the action.[1][3][4]
According toThe New York Times, the Trump administration closely followed actions prescribed byProject Esther—a guideline for dealing with theGaza war protests which it characterized as antisemitic—from theThe Heritage Foundation, thethink tank behindProject 2025.[5]
According to theJewish Telegraphic Agency, "at least eight individuals and organizations affiliated with Heritage’s National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, launched last year under the Project Esther banner, have resigned or threatened to do so, citing Heritage presidentKevin Roberts’ decision to stand byCarlson and his description of the television personality's critics as a 'venomous coalition.'"[6] In November 2025, the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism severed ties with the Heritage Foundation.[7][8]
