The Trump administration has withdrawn $2.2 billion in federal funding from Harvard University amid a growing confrontation over antisemitism and campus policies, leaving one of America’s most prestigious institutions scrambling to respond.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration has revoked $2.2 billion in federal grants from Harvard University, citing concerns over antisemitism and racial discrimination.
- NIH Director Michelle Bulls formally notified Harvard President Alan Garber on May 6, 2025, stating that “supporting research in such an environment is plainly inconsistent with NIH’s priorities.”
- Harvard rejected administration demands including auditing student viewpoints and eliminating diversity programs, calling them “unprecedented” attempts to control the university.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon advised Harvard against applying for additional federal funding as tensions escalate.
- Harvard has 30 days to challenge the funding termination by providing documentation refuting the administration’s claims.
Federal Funding Pulled Over Campus Controversies
President Trump’s administration formally terminated $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard University following the institution’s refusal to comply with government demands regarding campus antisemitism and admission practices. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director for Extramural Research, Michelle Bulls, delivered the termination notice to Harvard President Alan Garber on May 6, 2025, emphasizing that the university’s environment no longer aligned with federal priorities for research funding.
The funding withdrawal stems from Harvard’s alleged failure to address what the administration describes as “widespread abuse of Jewish and Israeli students” and purported discrimination in admissions processes. The decision follows Harvard’s lawsuit against the Trump administration for initially freezing these funds, escalating the legal battle between the prestigious institution and federal authorities.
Harvard University is suing the Trump administration one week after the federal joint antisemitism task force cut $2.2 billion in grants and contracts to the Ivy League school. | @dezward01 https://t.co/QBmlnWpkc4
— National Review (@NRO) April 22, 2025
Administration Demands and Harvard’s Response
Before withdrawing the funding, the Trump administration had issued a series of demands through the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. These included auditing student viewpoints, restricting international students deemed hostile to American values, and closing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in favor of merit-based policies. Harvard leadership rejected these requirements, describing them as an unprecedented federal overreach.
“The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights. Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government,” said Harvard’s X account.
Harvard’s legal counsel has argued that the administration’s demands infringe upon university freedoms and statutory rights. Meanwhile, President Trump suggested more severe consequences could follow, including potential changes to Harvard’s tax status. The ongoing dispute highlights growing tensions between federal authorities and elite educational institutions over campus climate, free speech, and institutional autonomy.
White House Justifies Action as Protecting Students
The White House has framed the funding withdrawal as part of broader efforts to combat antisemitism and eliminate racial discrimination in higher education. The administration cited both ongoing concerns about the treatment of Jewish students and issues with Harvard Law Review’s practices as justification for the decisive action. Harvard has been given 30 days to object and provide documentation challenging the termination.
“President Trump is working to Make Higher Education Great Again by ending unchecked anti-Semitism and ensuring federal taxpayer dollars do not fund Harvard’s support of dangerous racial discrimination or racially motivated violence,” said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has advised Harvard officials not to apply for further federal grants until the current issues are resolved. The administration’s approach follows a similar pattern to its handling of Columbia University, which ultimately agreed to increased security and oversight requirements to maintain federal funding. Harvard representatives have been contacted for comment on the funding withdrawal, but the institution has not yet issued a formal response to this latest development.
Sources:
- Trump administration freezes $2 billion after Harvard rejects demands
- Trump admin yanks $2.2 billion in federal funding from Harvard in legal battle over antisemitism on campus
