Comment by ethbr1

Depleting an endowment to ride out a novel and likely-temporary (1.5 to 3.5 years) political situation that seeks to alter the university's fundamental behavior and values... seems like a good use?

Especially since it likely wouldn't be 1:1 funding replacement, but facilitating more limited operations.

Better to negotiate from a position of strength, when the other party is inclined to push any advantage as far as they can.