The Trump administration has escalated its battle with Harvard University, directing US federal agencies to review grants worth approximately $100 million to potentially end or redistribute funding. According to a senior White House official, the Government Services Agency (GSA) will circulate a letter asking agencies to identify contracts with Harvard and determine whether they can be canceled or redirected elsewhere.
The administration estimates around 30 contracts, valued at $100 million (£74m), are up for review. Harvard University’s website highlights the importance of federal funding for its “cutting-edge medical, scientific, and technological research,” warning that without it, “this work will come to a halt midstream”. The university has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
In a draft letter, the administration accuses Harvard of engaging in discrimination and antisemitism, justifying the move to review funding. However, an administration official assured the BBC that potential cuts would not impact hospitals affiliated with Harvard University. If a federal grant is deemed critical to a particular agency’s functions, that agency can make a case for continued funding.
Harvard University President Alan Garber expressed concerns about the impact of cutting research funding, stating, “Why cut off research funding? Sure, it hurts Harvard, but it hurts the country because after all, the research funding is not a gift.” He emphasized that research funding is given to universities to carry out high-priority work designated by the federal government.
Background of the Dispute
This is not the first time the administration has attempted to block Harvard’s funding. In April, the White House froze $2.2 billion in federal funding, prompting the university to sue. Last week, the Trump administration revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students or host foreign researchers, prompting mass confusion among thousands of impacted students. Harvard again sued the Trump administration over this policy, alleging it violated the university’s constitutional First Amendment rights and federal law.
The GSA will recommend each agency “terminate for convenience each contract that it determines has failed to meet its standards” and consider reallocating those funds to other entities. The Trump administration’s move has sparked concerns about the potential impact on education and research.