Virginia Democrats retreat on VMI funding threat after Trump administration warns of 'extraordinary measures'

Virginia Democrats backed down from legislation that could have potentially revoked state funding for the Virginia Military Institute amid criticism from the Trump administration, VMI cadets and lawmakers in Congress.

Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly introduced House Bill 1377, which proposed a task force that could revoke state funding for the school. After scrutiny and controversy, an amended bill passed the Virginia House last Thursday that no longer grants authority to strip the historic military college of funding.