A federal judge in Boston has ruled that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration acted unlawfully when it terminated roughly $2.2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard University.
The ruling, issued Wednesday (September 3, 2025) by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, bars the White House from further efforts to block funding to the Ivy League institution.
The dispute stems from the administration’s claims that Harvard had tolerated antisemitism on campus.
While Judge Burroughs acknowledged that combating antisemitism was a legitimate and important government interest, she found that the true motivation behind the funding cuts was to pressure Harvard into meeting political demands, violating the university’s First Amendment free speech rights.
“Harvard was wrong to tolerate hateful behavior as long as it did,” Burroughs wrote.
“But the administration’s actions were not driven solely by the fight against antisemitism—they were designed to suppress speech and force conformity.”
The case centered on about $2.5 billion in federal research funding, much of it supporting scientific and medical research.
Demonstrators, including the activist group Crimson Courage, rallied outside the federal courthouse in July, urging the court to protect academic independence and restore Harvard’s grants.
The ruling is seen as a major legal victory for Harvard, which has been locked in a broader conflict with the Trump administration over issues ranging from campus protests to free expression.
Legal analysts say the decision could set a precedent for other universities facing federal pressure tied to political or cultural disputes.
Harvard has not yet issued a formal statement, but officials are expected to continue negotiations with federal agencies on restoring full funding.