Harvard University has rejected Donald Trump’s administration’s demands for extensive control over its operations, citing the measures as illegal and unconstitutional. In retaliation, the Trump administration threatened to freeze $2.2 billion in support. Harvard, a prestigious Ivy League institution and the wealthiest university in the US, is the first to reject these demands, potentially setting a precedent for other universities.
The US government’s “Joint Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism” announced the freezing of $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard. The government accused Harvard of being part of the “establishment,” criticizing its alleged sense of entitlement to federal investment without civic responsibility. The task force highlighted issues such as academic disruption and harassment of Jewish students as unacceptable, calling for meaningful changes for universities receiving taxpayer support.
Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, openly rejected the government’s demands. He declared that no government should dictate what a private university can teach, who it admits or employs, or the research and inquiries it pursues. He emphasized that universities must not surrender their independence or constitutional rights to federal control.
The Trump administration had previously signaled plans to review $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard, and communicated its intention to intervene in student admissions and faculty hiring. It also demanded full access to hiring and admissions data, halting of all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and overhaul of academic programs with purported anti-Semitic records, subject to external audits.
Garber argued that while some measures aim to combat anti-Semitism, the broader implications signify direct government regulation on Harvard’s “intellectual environment.”
The New York Times noted potential uses of the demands to interfere with admissions processes and pressure faculty members. It also referenced previous incidents, including the resignation of Harvard’s first Black president, Claudine Gay, amid anti-Semitism controversies and plagiarism allegations.
Harvard’s refusal drew support and relief from the academic community. American Council on Education President Ted Mitchell praised Harvard for offering a roadmap on resisting government intervention. Former President Barack Obama, a Harvard Law School alumnus, also commended Harvard for setting an example for other higher education institutions.
Since its inauguration in January, the Trump administration has intensified its pressure on universities, using federal aid as leverage. It canceled $400 million in grants to Columbia University over pro-Palestinian demonstrations and anti-Semitism, and suspended $175 million to the University of Pennsylvania over transgender sports policies.