News Brief
Trump Administration Plans To Freeze Another $1 Billion In Harvard Funding Amid Antisemitism Dispute And Escalating Stand-Off
Harvard University
The Trump administration has moved to freeze $2.26 billion in federal funding for Harvard University, with plans to pull an additional $1 billion earmarked for health research, following a fierce clash over government demands related to antisemitism oversight, Wall Street Journal reported exclusively.
The dispute, sparked by an 11 April letter from the newly formed Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, escalated rapidly after Harvard published the letter publicly on Monday (21 April).
The administration had expected private negotiations and was reportedly surprised by the release. Officials now accuse Harvard of posturing rather than cooperating.
According to people close to the matter, the letter laid out sweeping requirements including federal oversight of admissions, hiring and the ideology of students and staff.
Harvard refused the terms, and its President, Alan Garber, issued a defiant response, “The intention is not to work with us to address antisemitism in a cooperative and constructive manner,” he said. “We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement.”
The White House, in retaliation, has threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status and its capacity to enroll international students which could cost the university billions more.
Officials say the 11 April letter, though sent a day earlier than intended, was no mistake. “The White House remains open to dialogue, but serious changes are needed at Harvard,” a spokesperson stated, adding, “Instead of grandstanding, Harvard should focus on rebuilding confidence among all students, particularly Jewish students.”
Garber contends that while some concerns were valid, most would represent "direct governmental regulation” and pose a threat to institutional independence.
Harvard insists there was no confidentiality agreement, and that the task force’s intrusion marked a shift from earlier, more measured engagement.
