Federal Government Intensifies Pressure on Harvard: A Detailed Account
The tension between Harvard and the federal government is reaching a critical point. The Trump Administration announced on Monday that it would prevent Harvard, the nation’s oldest university, from receiving new federal research funding, marking a significant escalation in its efforts to reshape higher education and target institutions it views as resistant.
“Harvard should no longer apply for GRANTS from the federal government, as they will not be awarded,” stated Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a letter to the university. “Harvard will transition away from being a publicly funded institution and operate as a privately funded one, leveraging its substantial endowment and fundraising from its extensive network of affluent alumni.”
This action adds to the administration’s growing list of demands, which include eliminating certain programs, restructuring leadership and hiring processes, and adhering to new regulations concerning student conduct and faculty oversight. Harvard is actively resisting these measures, having filed a lawsuit against the Administration in April.
“The university will not compromise its autonomy or give up its constitutional rights,” Harvard’s legal representatives wrote to federal officials. “Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow the federal government to assume control.”
While Harvard is adopting a firm stance, it stands somewhat alone. , which experienced prominent campus protests last year, was similarly threatened with the loss of federal grant money in March. That institution ultimately complied with the Administration’s requirements, leading to the reinstatement of its funding.
The following is a timeline outlining the escalating conflict between Harvard and the Trump Administration:
March 31: Grant review of Harvard
On March 31, the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and the U.S. General Services Administration announced a review of federal contracts and grants awarded to Harvard to ensure compliance with “civil rights responsibilities.” This review encompasses $255.6 million in contracts and over $8.7 billion in multi-year grants.
The review was initiated as part of the Administration’s antisemitism task force, established in response to numerous incidents on college campuses in the spring of 2024.
April 11: Letter issued to Harvard
Federal officials sent Harvard a letter outlining several conditions the university needed to meet to maintain its “financial relationship with the federal government.”
Officials gave the university until August 2025 to commit to: altering leadership structures to reduce student and untenured faculty influence; implementing merit-based hiring practices that disregard race or other identity categories; promoting “viewpoint diversity” across all departments, fields, and within the student body; and abolishing DEI programs and offices.
Harvard was also instructed to immediately revise its student disciplinary rules, including enacting a mask ban, and to investigate all student violations related to on-campus sit-ins and protests. Officials also stated that the university should cooperate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and share information as needed.
April 14: Harvard’s response to the Administration
Harvard rejected the demands, asserting they exceed legal authority.
“Harvard remains open to dialogue about the university’s actions and plans to improve the experience of every member of its community. However, Harvard is not prepared to agree to demands that exceed the lawful authority of this or any administration,” attorneys stated.
April 16: DHS threatened to terminate Harvard’s ability to enroll international students
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the Administration would cancel two grants to Harvard totaling over $2.7 million. She also cautioned that the university risked losing its ability to enroll international students, who comprised 27.2% of the student body for the academic year.
April 21: Harvard files a lawsuit against the Trump Administration
The university filed a lawsuit against the Administration, alleging violations of the First Amendment and improper procedures in cutting grant funding.
The university argued that the grant cancellation endangers Harvard’s independence and critical research.
April 22: Harvard joins other colleges in joint letter against ‘government intrusion’
The American Association of Colleges and Universities issued a letter on April 22 addressing what they described as “unprecedented government overreach and political interference” that is jeopardizing higher education in the U.S. The letter asserted the belief that higher education institutions have the right to control school curriculum, students, and staff.
Harvard University President Alan Garber, along with 611 other leaders in higher education, signed the letter.
May 2: Trump moves to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status
President Trump stated he would revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status. “It’s what they deserve,” the President wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform.
A Harvard spokesperson stated that there was “no legal basis to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status” in a statement to TIME.
May 7: Harvard to lose opportunity for new federal research grants
Sec. McMahon informed Harvard it would no longer be eligible for new research grants, citing noncompliance with federal law.
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