Trump Administration Targets Harvard Funding Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Trump administration is initiating a comprehensive review of federal funding to Harvard University, potentially affecting contracts worth approximately $100 million. This move comes amid escalating tensions between the White House and the prestigious educational institution, as officials seek to reassess Harvard's federal financial support, citing claims of discrimination and antisemitism. The review may lead to the cancellation or redirection of about 30 contracts associated with the university.

The Government Services Agency (GSA) is set to circulate a letter urging federal agencies to assess their funding agreements with Harvard. While this does not guarantee immediate revocation of funds, each agency will evaluate the necessity of continuing support for their respective programs associated with Harvard. In this context, officials say that if any funding is deemed critical, agencies can advocate for its retention.

Harvard has not publicly responded yet, but recent developments have already created significant turmoil for both the university and its international student cohort. The administration had earlier imposed restrictions hindering Harvard from enrolling international students or hosting foreign researchers, provoking strong reactions and leading to a lawsuit from the university alleging violations of its constitutional rights.

The fight over funding and academic integrity places Harvard, and by extension its students, at the center of a larger narrative involving political ideologies, free speech concerns, and higher education's role in American society.