- By Shibra Siddiqui
- Tue, 06 May 2025 10:52 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The US administration announced that it has suspended financial grants to Harvard University until the educational institute fulfils all the conditions set by the Trump administration. The department informed the university on Monday that it was freezing billions of dollars in future research grants and other aid until the nation's oldest and wealthiest college commits to fulfilling the number of demands from the Trump administration, news agency Reuters reported, quoting a senior official.
The US education secretary, Linda McMahon, informed about the decision through a detailed post on social media. In a letter posted on X, McMahon reiterated the Trump administration’s stand, saying that the university must address concerns about antisemitism on campus. “This letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided,” the letter to Harvard’s president read.
McMahon raised concerns about complaints that the university has abandoned its pursuit of academic excellence while employing relatively few conservative faculty members. In the letter, the education department wrote, "This letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided.”
Harvard Says 'Illegal Government Overreach'
According to the report, a Harvard spokesperson said, "Harvard will also continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure.” It further added, “Today’s letter makes new threats to illegally withhold funding for lifesaving research and innovation in retaliation against Harvard for filing its lawsuit on April 21.”
In its lawsuit against the Trump administration, Harvard said the government's funding cuts will have stark "real-life consequences for patients, students, faculty, staff, (and) researchers" while putting in jeopardy crucial medical and scientific research.
According to a report by Associated Press, the ban applies to federal research grants, not federal financial aid that helps students cover college tuition and fees, an Education.
Trump has alleged that pro-Palestinian protesters are antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas. Harvard rejected numerous Trump demands last month, calling them an attack on free speech and academic freedom.
