Trump Administration Freezes Billions in Federal Grants Across Major US Universities

In 2025, President Trump's administration has aggressively targeted major universities, notably freezing billions in federal funding and contracts to institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, and Brown over concerns related to antisemitism and foreign influence, particularly involving China. Harvard University faces a significant legal battle after the Department of Homeland Security revoked its certification to admit international students, threatening the status of nearly 6,800 students and prompting lawsuits against the administration's national security claims. Universities nationwide, including Harvard faculty who have forfeited salaries, along with numerous attorneys general and educational associations, have mobilized legal and financial support to resist what they view as ideological and political interference in higher education. The Trump administration has also canceled several programs aimed at diversifying and training scholars in biomedical sciences, such as the NIH's MARC program, citing shifts in agency priorities. These actions have raised widespread concerns about academic freedom, human rights, and the future of American higher education as a global leader. Meanwhile, university leaders and faculty emphasize the importance of preserving free and independent educational institutions against these unprecedented government interventions.