Trump administration demands Harvard disclose foreign funding records
2 Min Read
This demand follows Harvard's refusal to comply with a series of White House directives, including proposals to eliminate diversity and equity programs, audit staff for ideological alignment, and collaborate more closely with immigration enforcement.
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The Harvard University logo is displayed on a building at the school, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass, US (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The Trump administration has significantly escalated its campaign against Harvard University, demanding a comprehensive disclosure of its foreign financial relationships dating back a decade, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
In a letter addressed to Harvard President Alan Garber, the Department of Education's Office of the General Counsel alleged that the university submitted "incomplete and inaccurate" records concerning foreign gifts and contracts between 2014 and 2019.
"Today's records request is the Trump administration's first step to ensure Harvard is not being manipulated by, or doing the bidding of, foreign entities," said US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
In a written response, Harvard stated it had already complied with federal disclosure laws. "The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights," President Garber later declared in a public statement, affirming that no government should determine its academic policies or institutional priorities.
Harvard rejects limits on university autonomy & academic freedom. Pres. Gerber: "The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights." Excellent news. Here's the full text just issued.
— Pippa Norris (@PippaN15) April 14, 2025
1/4 pic.twitter.com/aYsRheMfiu
Funding Crackdown
Under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, American universities must report foreign donations and contracts that exceed $250,000. The Department is now requesting additional information beyond financial data, including the identities of individuals involved in accepting foreign funding, any correspondence with foreign governments, and disciplinary records of international students expelled since 2016.
This demand follows Harvard's refusal to comply with a series of White House directives, including proposals to eliminate diversity and equity programs, audit staff for ideological alignment, and collaborate more closely with immigration enforcement.
As a consequence, the Department of Education announced it would freeze approximately $2.3 billion in federal grants and contracts. Separately, the Department of Homeland Security canceled two grants totaling $2.7 million and warned that Harvard's certification to enroll international students could be revoked.
In addition, President Trump has directed the IRS to review Harvard's tax-exempt status, suggesting that the university's stance may justify its removal.
Read more: Obama backs Harvard as Yale faculty support standing up to Trump
The administration's actions have triggered alarm among academic institutions and civil liberties advocates, who argue the measures threaten academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Legal challenges are expected as the conflict intensifies.
