The Trump administration has halted future research grants and federal aid to Harvard University, demanding the institution implement major policy changes before any new funds are released, a senior U.S. Department of Education official confirmed on Monday.
The decision escalates a growing conflict between the federal government and the prestigious university, with the administration leveraging federal funding to press its policy agenda across institutions ranging from law firms to higher education.
In a letter addressed to Harvard, Education Secretary Linda McMahon outlined the administration’s conditions, which include changes related to campus antisemitism, the use of race in admissions, and a perceived ideological imbalance among faculty.
“This letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided,” McMahon wrote.
Harvard, in response, strongly condemned the move, calling the government’s actions an attempt to exert “unprecedented and improper control” over the institution.
“Harvard will also continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure,” a university spokesperson stated.
The administration’s shift to halting future grants rather than freezing existing ones appears to be a legal workaround after previous efforts to cut off current funding drew scrutiny. The Education Department is also reviewing approximately $9 billion in federal funding tied to the university.
Harvard recently filed a lawsuit against the administration after $2.3 billion in federal support was suspended. In its legal challenge, the university argued that the funding cuts would cause substantial harm to a broad range of stakeholders.
The university’s complaint warned of significant consequences, “Real-life consequences for patients, students, faculty, staff, (and) researchers,” while also jeopardizing “crucial medical and scientific research.”
The conflict comes amid nationwide protests related to the war in Gaza, during which Trump has accused pro-Palestinian demonstrators of antisemitism and sympathy for Hamas. Protesters, including Jewish organizations, have argued their criticism of Israeli actions is being wrongly equated with hate speech and extremism.
In addition to addressing campus protest policies, the administration has called on Harvard to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and to impose restrictions on pro-Palestinian groups, including a ban on masks during demonstrations.
Despite its vast $53 billion endowment—the largest of any U.S. university—Harvard notes that much of the money is legally restricted for specific uses, such as scholarships and financial aid, limiting its ability to absorb the impact of federal funding losses.
