In an escalation of tensions between President Donald Trump’s administration and Harvard University, the Department of Education announced a pause on $8 billion in grant funding to the university. A senior official stated that Harvard would not be eligible for new federal grants until it can demonstrate responsible management.
The official criticized Harvard for its inability to address antisemitism and discrimination on campus, as well as for abandoning academic rigor in favor of left-leaning ideologies that limit “viewpoint diversity.” The funding suspension also applies to medical research grants.
Harvard is currently under investigation by multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Education and the Health and Human Services Department, for allegations ranging from failure to disclose foreign gifts to racial discrimination within the Harvard Law Review. Additionally, the administration’s antisemitism task force froze $2.2 billion in funding last month. For Harvard to restore compliance with federal law, it would need to reach an agreement with the administration.
The status of the university’s tax-exempt status, which Trump threatened to revoke on May 2, remains uncertain. A Harvard spokesperson maintained there is no legal grounds for rescinding the tax-exempt status, warning it could hinder the university’s ability to fulfill its mission.
