Harvard takes legal action against Trump administration for ‘unlawful’ multibillion dollar budget reductions

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the freeze of research funding to the university, which the university has deemed as unlawful and beyond the government’s authority. The lawsuit was filed just one day after the administration planned to cut an additional $1 billion in federal grants and contracts to Harvard, on top of the $2.2 billion freeze announced the week prior. In response, a White House spokesperson stated that Harvard’s “gravy train of federal assistance” is coming to an end, citing taxpayer funds as a privilege that Harvard allegedly fails to meet basic conditions to access.

Harvard’s complaint accuses the Trump administration of unlawfully freezing research funding to pressure the university into making changes to its governance, academic programs, and hiring practices. The university argues that this action violates its constitutional rights and independence, as well as the First Amendment by imposing viewpoint-based conditions on funding. The complaint also addresses the administration’s concerns about antisemitism on campus, asserting that Harvard has taken important steps to combat antisemitism and is committed to broadening intellectual and viewpoint diversity within its community.

The complaint further argues that there is no rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the federal funding that Harvard receives for research purposes, highlighting the potential consequences of the freeze on the university’s research program. In response to the freeze and concerns raised by the government, Harvard President Alan Garber emphasized the university’s commitment to addressing antisemitism and the importance of fighting hate with urgency and compliance with the law. Garber also acknowledged recent reports of bias and intolerance on campus, stating that steps would be taken to eradicate such issues within the university community.

In addition to the funding freeze and concerns over antisemitism, the Justice Department initiated a comprehensive review of Harvard’s federal contracts and grants, while the Department of Homeland Security canceled $2.7 million in grants to the university. President Trump criticized Harvard on social media, claiming that the university hires individuals who teach failure to students, in reference to recent reports and incidents involving the university. Trump suggested that Harvard is unworthy of federal funding and teaches hate and stupidity, prompting further scrutiny and commentary on the situation.

The lawsuit and related disputes between Harvard University and the Trump administration highlight ongoing tensions and legal battles over research funding, governance, academic practices, and allegations of bias and intolerance within the university. The outcome of the lawsuit and the government’s actions towards Harvard will have significant implications for research programs, funding allocation, and the university’s autonomy moving forward. As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders and observers await further developments and potential resolutions to the issues at hand.