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The university’s refusal to comply with U.S. government policy change requests prompted the action.
The Trump administration has blocked new federal research grants to Harvard University, requiring the institution to first fulfill a set of demands from the White House.
This decision marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the administration and leading U.S. universities regarding their handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Since assuming office, Trump has intensified pressure on universities to address alleged anti-Semitism and scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In a letter shared on X on Tuesday, Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon criticized Harvard for “serious failures” concerning anti-Semitism, racial discrimination, academic standards, and diversity of viewpoints.
“Harvard University has undermined the integrity of the nation’s higher education system,” McMahon stated, adding that the university “should no longer request” federal funding “since it will not be granted.”
The letter stipulated that Harvard must engage in discussions with the government and demonstrate compliance with the administration’s requirements to regain eligibility for new grants.
Harvard responded on Tuesday, stating that it “will continue to defend against unlawful government overreach.”
Trump has focused on Harvard due to allegations of anti-Semitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests that arose following Israel’s offensive in Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attack. According to the local health ministry, over 50,000 individuals have died in Gaza. The protests intensified as Washington maintained its supply of weaponry to Israel.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration initiated a review of approximately $9 billion in federal funding for Harvard and demanded that the university eliminate DEI programs, restrict pro-Palestinian organizations, and prohibit masks during demonstrations.
Harvard rejected these demands, accusing the White House of attempting to “control” the campus. It filed a lawsuit against the administration regarding the suspension of roughly $2.3 billion in funding and pledged to internally combat discrimination.
In its lawsuit, the university cautioned that the funding cuts could have “real-life consequences” for students and researchers, potentially endangering medical and scientific endeavors.
Harvard possesses a $53 billion endowment—the largest in the U.S.—but the majority of it is earmarked for specific purposes, such as financial aid and scholarships.
The Trump administration has also suspended federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Princeton, Cornell, and Northwestern.