Trump’s comments represent a dramatic about-face after he and his campaign spent much of last year denouncing Project 2025.

The shutdown is now in its third day.

Most of the projects being terminated were budgeted for states that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris last year.

Trump is threatening to use the standoff to permanently eliminate thousands of government jobs.

The colleges were told they would get more favorable access to federal money if they agreed.

Trump suggested slashing Democratic priorities and mass firings of federal workers.

“What we are experiencing is not simple conflict — it is manipulation, defiance and harmful behavior that has created an unsafe and unsustainable environment,” the letter says.