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A senior official from the Donald Trump administration has informed Harvard University that a controversial letter sent to the institution last week—containing what were described as intrusive demands—was issued without proper authorisation.
The letter, dated April 11 and attributed to the White House’s Task Force on Antisemitism, called for significant oversight into Harvard’s hiring processes, admissions policies, and academic curriculum. According to The New York Times, the contents of the letter sparked concern within the university, prompting a firm public response on April 14, in which Harvard stated it would resist the administration’s demands.
However, in an unexpected turn of events shortly after Harvard’s public statement, a Trump administration official reached out to clarify that the letter had been sent in error. The communication, the official said, was “unauthorised,” The New York Times reported, citing individuals familiar with the matter.
Sources also revealed that the letter was sent by Sean Keveney, acting general counsel at the Department of Health and Human Services and a member of the antisemitism task force. While the content of the letter reflected ongoing internal discussions, confusion reportedly surrounded its intended distribution. Some White House officials believed the letter was prematurely dispatched, while others claimed it was meant solely for internal circulation among task force members.
The letter’s arrival was particularly disruptive, as it came during what Harvard viewed as a period of productive dialogue with the task force over the preceding two weeks. University officials had hoped to avoid a public clash with the Trump administration. However, the tone and intensity of the letter led Harvard to conclude that a conciliatory resolution was unlikely.
According to The New York Times, the episode has sparked what some are calling “a tectonic battle between one of the country’s most prestigious universities and a U.S. President.”
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