Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it illegally froze billions of dollars in funding as part of a political push to control the school’s operations.
The university says the move threatens its academic freedom and puts critical research at risk.
The conflict erupted after the Trump administration halted $2.2 billion in grants and signaled plans to freeze another $1 billion. Harvard says the action followed the school’s refusal to follow new government demands, including auditing students and faculty for political diversity and reshaping its leadership.
Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, called the freeze a serious threat to education, research, and the university’s global reputation. The school accuses the administration of using funding as leverage to force changes, arguing that this violates its constitutional rights and could damage innovation in medicine, science, and technology.
In the lawsuit, Harvard claims the freeze was politically motivated and intended to punish the school for not aligning with the administration’s agenda. It highlights the risks to medical research, such as treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and technologies that help protect first responders.
The Trump administration defended its actions, stating that institutions like Harvard rely too heavily on federal aid while offering little return to taxpayers. It argued that funding is not guaranteed and that schools must meet certain standards, including protecting students from discrimination and fostering diverse viewpoints.
Harvard isn’t alone in facing pressure. The administration recently threatened to withhold funds from other major universities like Columbia, Cornell, and Northwestern, accusing them of failing to address antisemitism on campus. At Columbia alone, $400 million in federal contracts are at stake.
However, the Harvard case has drawn particular attention due to its scale and public nature. Beyond freezing funds, the Trump administration also warned that it may revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and block the school from accepting international students.
University officials say these actions go beyond policy and strike at the core of academic independence in the U.S. They argue that the government is using its financial power to reshape the educational landscape, punishing institutions that don’t align politically.
Harvard’s lawsuit also claims the government ignored legal procedures required under federal law before cutting funding, adding another layer to its legal challenge.
As the battle plays out in court, the outcome could shape the future relationship between the federal government and higher education, especially when it comes to balancing public funding with academic freedom.