The Harvard funding battle has intensified as the Trump administration launches a review of up to $100 million in federal contracts. This marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing clash between the White House and America’s oldest university.
The federal review will be led by the Government Services Administration (GSA). Officials will request all federal agencies to examine contracts with Harvard University. They will determine whether these contracts can be terminated or redirected to other institutions.
This move follows earlier decisions to freeze $2.65 billion in grants and restrict international student enrolment at Harvard. The administration claims these actions respond to concerns about alleged antisemitism and discrimination on campus.
A draft letter from the GSA accuses Harvard of failing to meet federal standards. The letter urges agencies to cancel contracts “for convenience” if necessary. Officials estimate that around 30 separate agreements could be impacted by this directive.
Harvard University has not issued an official response. However, student and faculty protests have erupted on campus. Demonstrators argue the crackdown is politically motivated and violates academic freedom.
Jacob Miller, a student leader at Harvard Hillel, called the policy “absurd.” He stressed that efforts to address antisemitism should not come at the expense of academic institutions.
Despite the funding review, officials say hospitals and medical affiliates will not be affected. Agencies may also justify maintaining certain grants if they are vital to national priorities.
This Harvard funding battle is not new. In April, the administration froze $2.2 billion in grants. A month later, it cut an additional $450 million. The university responded with legal action and won a temporary restraining order against some of the restrictions.
Harvard President Alan Garber recently warned of broader consequences. He said cutting research funds would not just hurt Harvard but harm the nation. “These grants support high-priority work,” he stated, “research that the government wants done.”
One affected unit is the Sinclair Lab at Harvard Medical School. The lab conducts vital studies on aging, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
As the Harvard funding battle continues, both sides prepare for more legal and political challenges. The outcome could reshape how US universities engage with federal agencies and future policy under the Trump administration.
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