Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Federal Funding Freeze, Challenges 'Government Intrusion'

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court seeking to overturn a Trump administration decision to freeze over $2.2 billion in federal research funding.

The move comes after the prestigious institution publicly refused to comply with demands that it overhaul campus activism, admissions policies, and diversity protocols, AP reported.

The administration’s letter, dated 11 April, called for sweeping reforms including a clampdown on protestors, stricter vetting of international students "hostile to the American values", audits of campus viewpoints, and the derecognition of certain student clubs. It also urged changes to Harvard’s leadership and admissions practices.

Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the demands, affirming the university’s commitment to academic freedom and free speech. “Today, we stand for the values that have made American higher education a beacon for the world,” he wrote in a letter to the Harvard community.

“We stand for the truth that colleges and universities across the country can embrace and honour their legal obligations and best fulfil their essential role in society without improper government intrusion,” he added.

Hours after Harvard’s refusal, the Trump administration froze billions in federal funding, including critical research grants. In its lawsuit, the university argued, “The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation.”

The Trump administration further threatened to bar Harvard from enrolling international students and questioned its tax-exempt status.

The university warned the administration’s actions represent an existential threat to academic autonomy and the advancement of American innovation.

Also Read: PM Modi To Virtually Flag Off Namo Bharat In Patna-Jayanagar Route And Amrit Bharat Trains In Bihar On 24 April