The Trump administration announced on Monday that it would be reviewing over $9billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard University, following allegations that the prestigious institution has failed to adequately address antisemitism on its campus.
A joint statement from multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration, revealed that the review will focus on more than $255.6million in contracts between Harvard and the federal government.
Additionally, the investigation will also encompass the university’s multi-year grant commitments, which exceed $8.7billion.
The review, part of a broader effort by a multi-agency taskforce to combat campus antisemitism, raises concerns about Harvard’s response to what the administration describes as "institutionalised antisemitism" in its ranks.
Josh Gruenbaum, a senior official at the General Services Administration, issued a statement emphasising that, while Harvard’s recent steps to address antisemitism were "long overdue," the university must do more to retain the privilege of receiving taxpayer-funded support.
Yet it remains unclear what specific measures would satisfy the administration’s requirements.
“Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from antisemitic discrimination – all while promoting divisive ideologies over free enquiry – has put its reputation in serious jeopardy,” Gruenbaum said. “Harvard can right these wrongs and restore itself to a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking, where all students feel safe on its campus.”
In conjunction, Linda McMahon, the US Secretary of Education, said that any institution found to be in “violation of federal compliance standards” could face “administrative actions, including contract termination”.
“The administration is committed to ensuring that universities provide safe environments free from discrimination,” McMahon added.
The review of Harvard’s federal funding could have far-reaching implications, including the possible halting of grants critical to the university’s research initiatives.
It comes on the heels of similar tensions between the Trump team and Columbia University over $400 million in federal funding over its own spate of allegedly antisemitic incidents.
Harvard President Alan Garber, who is Jewish, responded to the announcement in an email sent to the university community on Monday evening. He acknowledged that the university “is not perfect” but warned that any loss of funding would jeopardise vital research and scientific advancements.
Despite these concerns, Garber reiterated Harvard’s commitment to fighting antisemitism, calling it “one of the most insidious forms of bigotry”.
He also outlined the university's actions over the past 15 months to take a firmer line on antisemitism allegations, including enhanced training programs, strengthened anti-discrimination rules, and initiatives to foster dialogue across campus.
However, Garber also conceded that antisemitism remains a significant challenge, even noting that he had personally experienced it during his tenure as president. He affirmed the university’s commitment to engaging with the newly established task force and vowed to take necessary measures to improve the situation.
“We resolve to take the measures that will move Harvard and its vital mission forward while protecting our community and its academic freedom,” Garber said in his email.
This development comes just two days after at least 94 professors from Harvard Law School signed a letter condemning the Trump administration’s challenge to the rule of law and legal profession.
The professors’ letter expressed their concerns about the administration’s broader legal and policy agenda, adding further complexity to the ongoing debate over how institutions should handle antisemitism and free expression on campus.
