Trump administration halts federal research grants to Harvard, demanding policy changes

In a significant escalation of tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University, the U.S. Department of Education announced the suspension of all new federal research grants to the institution, impacting an estimated billion dollars annually. This decision came in May 2025 and was articulated in a letter sent by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to Harvard's president, Alan Garber. The administration claimed that Harvard had failed to meet its legal obligations, particularly concerning issues of antisemitism, racial discrimination, and a perceived decline in academic rigor and viewpoint diversity on campus. The letter accused Harvard of systemic violations of federal law and misuse of taxpayer funds, stating that the university had made a mockery of America’s higher education system. The administration's stance has been that Harvard must demonstrate responsible management and compliance with federal demands before resuming federal funding. This latest action follows a previously established freeze of $2.2 billion in multi-year federal grants and comes amid ongoing federal investigations into various allegations, including the university's handling of diversity policies and foreign gifts disclosures. Secretary McMahon asserted that public confidence in Harvard is at an all-time low, and the institution must address these concerns in order to regain eligibility for funding. Additionally, the administration threatened to revoke the university's tax-exempt status and impose further penalties if the school does not align its policies with the federal government's expectations, which include limiting diversity and inclusion initiatives and enhancing cooperation with federal agencies. Harvard has resisted these demands, leading to a contentious legal battle, with the university filing a lawsuit against the federal government. This lawsuit argues that the funding freeze infringes on its First Amendment rights and constitutes illegal retaliation for its refusal to comply with what it views as unconstitutional demands. The administration's pressure tactics reflect a broader political strategy aimed at changing institutional policies at universities they accuse of harboring liberal ideologies and failing to uphold academic freedom.