Harvard files lawsuit against Trump administration over funding cuts
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Harvard University sues the Trump administration to challenge $1 billion in funding cuts, citing threats to academic independence and constitutional rights.
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Students, faculty, and members of the Harvard University community rally on April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo)
Harvard University filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging the actions of the Trump administration's funding cuts, aiming to block efforts to reduce the university’s access to federal support.
The lawsuit alleges that the administration’s decision to withdraw financial backing jeopardizes academic independence and violates constitutional rights.
According to the lawsuit, the US government’s actions threaten essential research conducted on Harvard’s campus and form part of a broader attempt to penalize the institution for defending its legal rights.
The complaint emphasizes that federal funding is vital for "lifesaving and pathbreaking research" at the university.
On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration plans to cut an additional $1 billion in Harvard state funding. The move follows Harvard’s refusal to implement staffing and educational policy changes demanded by the White House.
"Defendants’ actions threaten Harvard’s academic independence and place at risk critical lifesaving and pathbreaking research that occurs on its campus. And they are part of a broader effort by the Government to punish Harvard for protecting its constitutional rights," the lawsuit stated.
Trump administration links cuts to antisemitism and policy refusals
The Trump administration has cracked down on higher education institutions following last year's pro-Palestine protests, with administration officials framing the issue as a means to tackle "antisemitism". In response, Harvard stated that it is actively addressing antisemitism but will not compromise on its commitment to uphold freedom of speech in universities.
Harvard rejected the assertion that it tolerates antisemitism and emphasized that any steps taken to combat discrimination must not infringe on constitutional protections.
The university maintains that defending freedom of speech is a core principle of its educational mission.
Earlier, the US Department of Education announced the withdrawal of $2.2 billion in state funding from Harvard after university leaders publicly declined to follow the White House’s policy demands. Trump also questioned whether Harvard should retain tax benefits granted to educational institutions.
Moreover, Trump on April 17 labeled Harvard University a “joke” and called for the prestigious institution to lose its federal research funding after it rejected demands for external political oversight.
The Trump administration also threatened to bar Harvard from accepting international students unless it complies with its conditions. US media outlets reported that officials are now considering revoking the university’s tax-exempt status.
"Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World's Great Universities or Colleges," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
