Harvard University’s federal funding is now in serious jeopardy after a Trump administration investigation concluded that the civil rights of Jewish students were violated, leading to a threat of a complete funding cut. The administration’s findings, detailed in a letter to the Ivy League school, assert that Harvard failed in its responsibility to protect students from discrimination based on race or nationality. Furthermore, it accused the university of being a “willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment.”
This latest escalation follows a period where Harvard had already faced significant financial repercussions, having lost over $2.6 billion in federal funding. This previous loss was a direct result of the university’s rejection of President Trump’s comprehensive demands for reforms in campus hiring, admissions, and governance. The current threat signals a continued, intensified campaign by the administration.
President Trump’s broader criticism of Harvard has also encompassed its international student enrollment. He previously suggested imposing a 15% cap on foreign students, arguing that the current high percentage, like Harvard’s 31%, unfairly limited opportunities for American students aspiring to attend elite universities. This issue had also been a point of considerable tension.
The dispute had previously culminated in a dramatic move by the administration to prevent Harvard from enrolling international students by revoking its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. Harvard promptly responded with a lawsuit, deeming the ban unconstitutional retaliation. However, a recent announcement from President Trump indicated that negotiations were progressing positively with Harvard, potentially leading to a “mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC” settlement.
Harvard’s Funding in Jeopardy: Anti-Semitism Investigation Leads to Drastic Measures
