Donald Trump recently posted a statement on his Truth Social app that alarmed many college students. He claims that he will stop all federal funding for any schools, colleges and universities that allow “illegal” protests on campus. He threatened to expel and/or arrest students who do not comply, as well as permanently sending agitators “back to the country from which they came.”

While it is completely rational to be scared after reading such information, bystanders need to know that Trump does not have the authority to withhold federal funds from any schools that might allow certain conduct. He also does not explain what he considers to be an “illegal protest.” Nevertheless, campus administrators should still acknowledge unlawful behavior. In addition, unfortunately for him, the President does not have the power to expel individual scholars on public or private college campuses.

Even though students do not have to be wary of Trump’s post, we still need to recognize what this is going to possibly and most likely harm: the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment protects our freedom of speech as well as the right to protest. By silencing the people who are working for change, the President goes against America’s Constitution and what the educational system teaches to the youth of America.

Many have found that the way the White House threatens free speech can sound disturbing. It is especially disappointing to colleges who take pride in speaking up for what is right. Some have even resorted to sending letters of support to protect campus speech while most have classified the warning as an abuse of power from Donald J. Trump. In this case, he is using abusing all authority and command while trying to scare the American people into following his every move. A great number of citizens believe this is not what the presidency is about, nor is it going to gain him all around support.

A multitude of news outlets are expressing their concern regarding the President’s outlandish post. Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression issued a statement via The Guardian explaining that the message will cause immediate damage and conflict, should it be enforced. Members of the foundation maintain the belief that Trump should not use the law and his power to punish disputants who are putting in so much effort to change the world.

This declaration is extreme and is not what America should stand for. Students, professors and administrators at any and every school are encouraged to stand up against these threats whether it’s a disgruntled civilian or the President of the United States. The American people have always had the right to speak on what they believe in, and this is not where that constitutional freedom stops.