Row between Trump administration and Harvard deepens after university rejects policy change demands

President Donald Trump’s unprecedented campaign against America’s higher education institutions continues, as Harvard University maintains its refusal to adapt to policy demands. 

Since his inauguration in January, President Trump dismantled the Department of Education and is now focusing his attentions on Harvard. 

The Trump administration kept a watchful eye on Harvard following high profile pro-Palestinian protests at the university. The government accused the institution of failing to address antisemitism, using this as a justification to intervene. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly accused Harvard of threatening national security by “bending the knee to antisemitism”. 

American universities receive about $60 billion in federal research funding annually, with Harvard and Columbia being the top recipients. Now they are the subject of targeted funding cuts.  

As of now, President Trump has frozen over $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard, primarily targeting research grants and government contracts

As of now, President Trump has frozen over $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard, primarily targeting research grants and government contracts. He is threatening to withdraw an additional $1 billion specifically from health research grants. Grants for cancer, TB, and environmental health research are most at risk.  

The president has also threatened to revoke the institution’s tax-exempt status, which could cost the university millions of dollars annually. He also called for a ban on Harvard enrolling foreign students, who make up 27% of the student body, further threatening the university’s financial security. 

Trump has demanded federal oversight of student admissions, staff hiring, and ideological composition of students and faculty. He has also targeted Harvard over ‘culture war’ issues, specifically threatening diversity programs and support for transgender athletes. The greatest demand is for hiring an external government-approved party to audit programmes and departments, which may threaten Harvard’s autonomy. 

Some institutions, like Columbia, have made policy changes to appease federal authorities, but most are pursuing legal challenges. Many institutions have publicly rejected the administration’s demands. Harvard President Alan Garber stated the university “will not compromise its independence or forfeit its constitutional rights”. 

The campaign is widely viewed as an assault on academic freedom by higher education experts, who claim it will have dire impact on critical research in health and science, and potentially long-term impacts on public health and American intellectual property dominance.

Nevertheless, President Trump has not showcased any signs of backing down, stating that the revocation of Harvard’s tax-exempt status is “what they deserve”.