The US government has withdrawn around $60 million in federal funding from Harvard University, citing the institution’s alleged failure to act against anti-Semitism and racial discrimination on campus.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said it had cancelled several long-term grant agreements. The department noted that federal funds must only go to institutions that ensure the safety and rights of all students.
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This move adds to an ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard, one of the country’s top universities. Over the past few months, the administration has already frozen more than $2.2 billion in research and education funding meant for the university.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon recently criticised Harvard, claiming it had “disgraced higher education.” She said the university would no longer receive federal support and should rely instead on its vast endowment and donor base.
Harvard has responded by filing a legal challenge against the funding freeze, arguing that the decision violates constitutional protections and federal rules limiting presidential influence over IRS-related matters. President Alan Garber stated that the university would use $250 million from its endowment to support ongoing research efforts.
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Tensions between Harvard and the administration escalated in March, following student-led protests in support of Palestinians. These protests, which were held across various top-tier campuses, focused on civilian casualties in Gaza and alleged human rights abuses.
While President Trump labelled the demonstrations as “illegal” and anti-Semitic, student groups insisted their protests were peaceful and aimed at raising awareness.
In April, the administration froze its first round of funding after Harvard refused to implement specific federal demands, including policy changes and an external audit. Critics on the right have long accused elite universities like Harvard of bias against conservative views.