The White House has suspended over $2.2 billion in grants allocated to Harvard University, alongside a halt on $60 million in contracts, following the university’s refusal to comply with a set of directives issued by the Trump administration.
White House Imposes Funding Freeze on Harvard Over Policy Dispute
This move forms part of a broader push by the administration to exert influence over the governance and operational structures of the United States’ leading academic institutions.
Demands for Major Institutional Reforms
Seven universities have been singled out, including Harvard, with federal officials calling for sweeping reforms in leadership, governance, and admissions practices.
A formal letter sent to Harvard outlined a detailed list of expectations. These included:
- The dismantling of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- An overhaul of its international student admissions procedures
- Comprehensive audits of its international student programme
- Increased regulation and oversight of student organisations
Harvard has firmly resisted these demands, issuing a defiant response: “The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”
Alongside Harvard, federal funding has been paused for several other Ivy League and top-tier institutions including Brown, Princeton, Cornell, Northwestern, and the University of Pennsylvania. Columbia University was also approached and, unlike the others, has reportedly agreed to comply with the administration’s terms.
