In a sharp escalation of tensions between Harvard University and President Donald Trump’s administration, the U.S. Department of Education has announced an immediate suspension of new federal research grants to the university. This includes a freeze on medical research funding, though student financial aid will remain unaffected.
The move, announced Monday, is part of a broader conflict between the administration and Harvard over alleged mismanagement, lack of ideological diversity, and failure to address antisemitism on campus.
Why Was Harvard’s Funding Frozen?
According to a senior Education Department official, Harvard is currently ineligible for any new federal research grants. The official stated the university must first demonstrate “responsible management” and meet compliance criteria laid out by federal agencies.
The official added that public confidence in Harvard is “at an all-time low,” blaming the university for abandoning academic standards and becoming “a leftist institution” with “zero viewpoint diversity.” The department highlighted that only 3% of Harvard’s faculty identifies as conservative.
Harvard Responds: “Illegal Overreach”
In a statement to ABC News, Harvard called the decision retaliatory and unlawful, saying the administration’s demands are designed to exert improper control over the school’s academic and institutional freedom.
“Harvard will continue to follow the law, support viewpoint diversity, and fight antisemitism in our community,” the statement said, adding the university would also defend itself against illegal government interference.
What’s Behind the Clash?
The feud began with multiple investigations by the Department of Education and Health and Human Services (HHS), which are probing accusations including:
- Undisclosed foreign gifts
- Discrimination in the Harvard Law Review
- Failing to address antisemitism on campus
Last month, the administration froze $2.2 billion in research funding as part of a new federal antisemitism task force review.
Despite repeated requests from the administration, Harvard has refused to comply with certain directives. President Alan Garber responded by saying Trump has overstepped his executive powers.
“No government—regardless of party—should control who private universities admit, hire, or what they teach,” Garber said in a public message to the Harvard community in April.
Is Harvard’s Tax-Exempt Status in Jeopardy?
While there has been no official announcement yet, President Trump has publicly threatened to remove Harvard’s tax-exempt status. Under federal law, however, the president cannot unilaterally revoke this status.
But according to sources, the IRS is considering the move.
Harvard has pushed back strongly, saying there is no legal basis to remove its nonprofit tax exemption. A spokesperson said doing so would severely damage Harvard’s mission, particularly its ability to fund student scholarships, medical research, and innovation that benefits the wider economy.
They warned that such action would create serious consequences for the future of higher education across the country.