President Donald Trump has ordered federal agencies to begin severing contracts with Harvard University, intensifying his administration’s high-profile battle with the Ivy League school. The move, based on accusations of racial discrimination and antisemitism, marks a new escalation in an ongoing campaign targeting elite higher education institutions.
Why is the Trump Administration Cutting Ties with Harvard?
The directive came in a formal letter from the General Services Administration (GSA), urging all federal departments to review and, where possible, terminate or transition away from existing contracts with Harvard and its affiliates.
The letter, signed by GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum, says Harvard “continues to engage in race discrimination,” particularly in admissions and hiring practices. It also cites recent pro-Palestinian protests on campus, accusing the university of failing to protect Jewish students and referring to the situation as “anti-Semitic.”
The GSA advises agencies to cut ties where Harvard’s services “no longer meet the government’s standards” and to seek other vendors for future contracts that may have otherwise gone to Harvard.
$3 Billion in Funding Already Slashed
This effort follows a decision earlier this year by the Trump administration to cut nearly $3 billion in federal grant funding to Harvard. Officials argue that the university’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as its race-based admissions policies, violate federal anti-discrimination laws.
President Trump has been vocal in linking Harvard’s policies with broader concerns over political bias in higher education. In a statement from the Oval Office, he warned, “Harvard’s going to have to change its ways.”
International Student Certification Pulled
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the revocation of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows the school to host international students. Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit, and U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary block on the action.
If the certification is permanently revoked, Harvard would lose the ability to enroll international students, a move that could deeply affect both the university’s finances and its global influence.
Harvard’s Response
Harvard President Alan Garber issued a strong rebuke, warning that federal funding cuts would have nationwide consequences. According to Garber, the lost contracts and grant money would undermine key research in medicine, science, and technology.
“Indiscriminately slashing medical, scientific, and technological research undermines the nation’s ability to save American lives, foster American success, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation,” Garber said.
A Broader Message to Universities
While Harvard is currently the focus, President Trump has made clear that other schools could be next. Asked about other universities’ future ability to enroll foreign students, he said, “We’re taking a look at a lot of things.”
The crackdown appears to be part of a wider campaign to curb DEI initiatives, revise race-based admissions, and reshape the culture of higher education in the U.S.