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In addition to withholding $2.2 billion in grants, the White House has reportedly frozen $60 million worth of federal contracts awarded to Harvard University.
The Trump administration has halted $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard University, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. The decision comes after the university stood firm against government demands related to ongoing campus protests, intensifying tensions between the White House and academic institutions.
In addition to withholding $2.2 billion in federal grants, the White House has reportedly taken further action by freezing approximately $60 million in government contracts awarded to Harvard University. This move comes after the university declined to comply with federal demands aimed at limiting campus activism. The decision marks a significant escalation in tensions between the administration and academic institutions over issues related to free speech and student demonstrations.
In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a freeze on approximately $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in contract funding previously allocated to Harvard University. The action comes as part of efforts led by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, underscoring heightened scrutiny and accountability in institutions receiving federal funding.
Trump Administration Calls for Reforms at Harvard, Seeks to Cut Grant Funding
In a letter sent to Harvard University on Friday, the Trump administration announced its intention to cut the institution’s federal grant funding. The move comes amid calls for sweeping reforms in the university’s governance and leadership structures, as well as significant changes to its admissions policies. The administration cited the need to address concerns over alleged anti-Semitic activities on campus. Additionally, the letter demanded a comprehensive audit of diversity initiatives and urged Harvard to withdraw official recognition from certain student organizations.
Harvard University has firmly declined to enter into any agreement with the Trump administration, stating that it will not compromise on its independence or constitutional rights. The prestigious institution emphasized its commitment to upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy, refusing to negotiate under political pressure.
The Trump administration’s Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism has announced a $2.2 billion freeze on federal grants to Harvard University, citing the institution’s failure to comply with civil rights obligations.
The move follows a firm statement by Harvard, which the administration viewed as defiant. In response, officials from the task force criticized what they described as an “entitlement mindset” among elite academic institutions.
“Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges — the belief that federal investment comes without the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws,” said a spokesperson for the Trump administration.
The funding freeze marks a major development in the ongoing clash between federal authorities and higher education institutions over campus policies, speech, and anti-Semitism. More updates to follow as this story develops.
Donal Trump Unveils Bold Higher Education Harvard University: Key Demands and Policy Proposals
Former President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping set of reforms aimed at overhauling the American higher education system. These proposed measures focus on restoring fairness, accountability, and transparency across colleges and universities. Here are the key components of his reform agenda:
1. Governance and Leadership Reforms
Strengthening institutional accountability by ensuring effective leadership and sound governance practices across campuses.
2. Merit-Based Hiring Reform
Revamping hiring practices to prioritize merit, qualifications, and competence over identity-based considerations.
3. Merit-Based Admissions Reform
Implementing admission policies that reward academic excellence and achievement, removing preferences that undermine meritocracy.
4. International Admissions Reform
Introducing stricter standards for the admission of international students, with a focus on transparency and national interest.
5. Viewpoint Diversity in Admissions and Hiring
Ensuring ideological balance and viewpoint diversity in both student admissions and faculty recruitment.
6. Reforming Programs with Histories of Bias
Overhauling academic programs or departments with egregious records of antisemitism or other forms of discrimination.
7. Ending DEI Initiatives
Calling for the discontinuation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs which are seen as divisive and discriminatory.
8. Student Discipline and Accountability
Establishing firm disciplinary policies to hold students accountable for disruptions, illegal protests, or violations of campus codes.
9. Whistleblower Protections
Creating secure channels for students, staff, and faculty to report misconduct with strong protections against retaliation.
10. Transparency and Monitoring
Implementing comprehensive monitoring and transparency policies to ensure compliance and public accountability.
11. Immediate Intervention in Disruptions
Mandating swift administrative action to stop classroom disruptions or efforts to de-platform speakers.
12. Reforming Student Organizations
New guidelines will prevent colleges from recognizing or funding student groups that endorse or promote criminal activity, violence, or harassment.
The Trump administration has called on Harvard University to enforce a sweeping campus-wide mask ban, including strict and immediate penalties for violations—no less than suspension. In addition, the administration wants the university to investigate and take serious disciplinary action for any related violations that occurred during the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 academic years.
However, Harvard President Alan Garber has rejected the proposed agreement. While acknowledging that some of the government’s demands aim to combat antisemitism, Garber criticized the majority of the measures as a form of direct governmental interference in the university’s academic and intellectual environment.
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