Harvard Challenges Federal Research Funding Cuts

Harvard University is challenging the Trump administration in federal court over the cutting of more than $2.5 billion in federal research funding, arguing the move was an unconstitutional violation of its First Amendment rights and academic independence. The funding cuts followed Harvard's refusal to comply with demands from a federal antisemitism task force, which sought major reforms in admissions, hiring, and campus governance to address alleged antisemitism and promote viewpoint diversity. The Trump administration denies retaliatory motives and asserts the funding freezes were lawful policy decisions, also criticizing Harvard for not protecting Jewish students and labeling it a liberal stronghold. Consolidated lawsuits from Harvard and faculty argue that leveraging federal funding undermines academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Judge Allison Burroughs is expected to rule on the case, which could restore funding and set a significant precedent for university-government relations. Harvard's leadership maintains that no administration should control what universities teach, whom they admit, or how they govern.