Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration in an effort to block billions of dollars in proposed funding cuts, marking a significant escalation in an ongoing dispute over academic freedom, diversity initiatives, and federal oversight.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday, follows Harvard’s rejection of a set of demands issued by the administration, which the White House claimed were intended to combat antisemitism and curb diversity programs at the institution.
In response, President Donald Trump ordered the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal funding and threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, prompting swift legal action from the university.
“The consequences of the government’s overreach will be severe and long-lasting,” said Harvard President Alan M. Garber in a letter to the university community. He warned that the funding freeze jeopardizes vital research programs, including studies on pediatric cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
In its legal filing, Harvard accused the federal government of weaponizing funding to interfere in academic governance. “This case involves the Government’s efforts to use the withholding of federal funding as leverage to gain control of academic decision-making at Harvard,” the lawsuit stated.
The White House issued a sharp response Monday evening. “The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families, is coming to an end,” said spokesman Harrison Fields. “Taxpayer funds are a privilege, and Harvard fails to meet the basic conditions required to access that privilege.”
The administration’s actions extend beyond financial penalties. In recent days, it also threatened to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, further intensifying the standoff.
Harvard’s legal challenge sets the stage for a high-profile battle over the limits of federal authority in higher education and the future of university autonomy amid growing political pressure.
