Trump Administration Deepens Harvard Federal Grant Cuts

The Trump administration has terminated an additional $450 million in federal grants to Harvard University, following a previous freeze of over $2.2 billion, citing Harvard’s alleged failure to address antisemitism and race discrimination on campus. Eight federal agencies coordinated the latest cuts, which officials described as targeting 'virtue signaling and discrimination' amid broader scrutiny of elite universities' diversity initiatives and responses to pro-Palestinian protests. In response, Harvard has expanded its lawsuit, arguing the funding freezes are unlawful, violate its First Amendment rights, and represent excessive government control over academic governance. Harvard asserts it has implemented reforms to address campus hate and discrimination and rejects accusations of political bias or inaction. The dispute has fueled debate over the balance between addressing campus discrimination and preserving academic independence. A federal court hearing on the matter is expected later this year.