White House Stops Issuing New Grants to Harvard
The recent action comes after Harvard University's refusal to comply with US government demands for policy modifications. The administration of President Donald Trump has halted new federal research grants to Harvard, insisting that the institution...
TroibNews 
The recent action comes after Harvard University's refusal to comply with US government demands for policy modifications.
The administration of President Donald Trump has halted new federal research grants to Harvard, insisting that the institution must first meet a series of requirements outlined by the White House.
This decision represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the administration and leading US universities regarding their handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Since taking office, Trump has increased pressure on educational institutions to confront alleged anti-Semitism and to diminish diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
In a letter shared on Tuesday via X, Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon accused Harvard of experiencing "serious failures" concerning anti-Semitism, racial discrimination, academic rigor, and viewpoint diversity.
“Harvard University has made a mockery of this country’s higher education system,” McMahon stated, asserting that it “should no longer seek” federal funding “since none will be provided.”
The correspondence indicated that Harvard would need to engage in discussions with the government and demonstrate compliance with the administration's stipulations to regain eligibility for new grants.
In response on Tuesday, Harvard maintained its position, declaring it “will continue to defend against illegal government overreach.”
Trump's scrutiny of Harvard has stemmed from allegations of anti-Semitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests that erupted following Israel’s military actions in Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attack, which the health ministry reports has resulted in over 50,000 fatalities in Gaza. The demonstrations escalated as the US continued its arms support to Israel.
Recently, the Trump administration has initiated a review of nearly $9 billion in federal funds allocated to Harvard and has stated demands for the university to eliminate DEI programs, restrict pro-Palestinian organizations, and ban masks at demonstrations.
Harvard has dismissed these demands, claiming that the White House is attempting to “control” its campus. The university has filed a lawsuit against the administration regarding the suspension of about $2.3 billion in federal funding and has committed to addressing discrimination within its own institution.
In its legal action, Harvard cautioned that the funding cuts could have “real-life consequences” for students and researchers and could jeopardize vital medical and scientific work.
Harvard boasts a $53 billion endowment, the largest in the nation, though a significant portion is earmarked for specific uses, including financial aid and scholarships.
Additionally, the Trump administration has suspended federal funding for other institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Princeton, Cornell, and Northwestern.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
The administration of President Donald Trump has halted new federal research grants to Harvard, insisting that the institution must first meet a series of requirements outlined by the White House.
This decision represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the administration and leading US universities regarding their handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Since taking office, Trump has increased pressure on educational institutions to confront alleged anti-Semitism and to diminish diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
In a letter shared on Tuesday via X, Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon accused Harvard of experiencing "serious failures" concerning anti-Semitism, racial discrimination, academic rigor, and viewpoint diversity.
“Harvard University has made a mockery of this country’s higher education system,” McMahon stated, asserting that it “should no longer seek” federal funding “since none will be provided.”
The correspondence indicated that Harvard would need to engage in discussions with the government and demonstrate compliance with the administration's stipulations to regain eligibility for new grants.
In response on Tuesday, Harvard maintained its position, declaring it “will continue to defend against illegal government overreach.”
Trump's scrutiny of Harvard has stemmed from allegations of anti-Semitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests that erupted following Israel’s military actions in Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attack, which the health ministry reports has resulted in over 50,000 fatalities in Gaza. The demonstrations escalated as the US continued its arms support to Israel.
Recently, the Trump administration has initiated a review of nearly $9 billion in federal funds allocated to Harvard and has stated demands for the university to eliminate DEI programs, restrict pro-Palestinian organizations, and ban masks at demonstrations.
Harvard has dismissed these demands, claiming that the White House is attempting to “control” its campus. The university has filed a lawsuit against the administration regarding the suspension of about $2.3 billion in federal funding and has committed to addressing discrimination within its own institution.
In its legal action, Harvard cautioned that the funding cuts could have “real-life consequences” for students and researchers and could jeopardize vital medical and scientific work.
Harvard boasts a $53 billion endowment, the largest in the nation, though a significant portion is earmarked for specific uses, including financial aid and scholarships.
Additionally, the Trump administration has suspended federal funding for other institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Princeton, Cornell, and Northwestern.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
