Harvard Battles Trump Administration Over Canceled Research Grants
Harvard University is gearing up for a significant legal battle with the Trump administration. The university is asking a federal judge to restore almost $2.5 billion in withheld federal research grants. The cuts to funding, the university says, jeopardize key scientific and medical research. These are studies on cancer, infectious diseases, and Parkinson’s disease. The school asserts the action is politically driven and contravenes constitutional rights.
Harvard vs Trump Administration: Tensions Boil Over
The hearing will take place before U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston. It marks the latest escalation in a growing feud between Harvard and the Trump White House.
Back in April, tensions worsened when Harvard rejected a list of federal demands. These demands involved sweeping changes to the university’s governance, hiring, and admissions processes. The administration argued that such changes were necessary to combat what it views as antisemitic and radical ideologies on campus.
As a response, the administration canceled hundreds of research grants. It accused Harvard of not doing enough to protect Jewish students. However, Harvard strongly denied these allegations.
Soon after, federal officials increased the pressure. They threatened to revoke the university’s accreditation. They also proposed a ban on international student enrollment. Additionally, they changed funding rules to limit Harvard’s financial support.
Perhaps most significantly, Congress—under Trump’s leadership—raised the federal excise tax on Harvard’s endowment income. It jumped from 1.4% to 8%. This tax hike affects 40% of Harvard’s operating budget. President Alan Garber warned the university could lose up to $1 billion each year. As a result, Harvard may need to lay off staff and freeze hiring.
Although Harvard acknowledges that some Jewish and Israeli students faced “vicious and reprehensible” behavior, it argues the administration’s response goes too far.
Garber claims the White House is attempting to control the university’s hiring and curriculum. In his view, this amounts to a violation of First Amendment protections. He says the federal government is overreaching in trying to control academic freedom.
Despite the backlash, the White House remains firm. Spokesperson Harrison Fields said universities should not tolerate antisemitism or restrict diverse viewpoints. He added that protecting civil liberties for all students remains a core goal of the president’s education policy.
Fields also mentioned that a settlement is possible. The administration is “confident that Harvard will eventually come around and support the president’s vision,” he said.
Judge Burroughs has already ruled in Harvard’s favor in a previous case. That ruling stopped the administration from banning international students.
Now, all eyes are on this new legal battle. The outcome could set a major precedent. It may redefine how much influence the federal government can have over private universities—and their freedom to govern themselves..
