Harvard University is taking the Trump administration to court after losing billions in federal funding. The lawsuit, filed Monday, accuses the government of cutting off money to punish the school for refusing to shut down diversity programs and change how it admits students and hires faculty.
“Moments ago, we filed a lawsuit to halt the funding freeze because it is unlawful and beyond the government’s authority,” said Harvard President Alan Garber.
The move is part of a growing clash between Harvard and Donald Trump. After the university pushed back against the administration’s demands, the government responded by freezing funding, threatening Harvard’s tax-exempt status, and saying it might stop the school from admitting international students.
According to the lawsuit, “The Government wielded the threat of withholding federal funds in an attempt to coerce Harvard to conform with the Government’s preferred mix of viewpoints and ideologies.”
Harvard argues the government is crossing the line and violating the First Amendment. The school is asking a federal judge in Massachusetts to stop the funding cuts and rule the administration’s actions unconstitutional.
The lawsuit also points to a wider trend, saying other top schools like Columbia, Princeton, Cornell, and Penn have faced sudden funding freezes with little to no explanation. “To date, the Government has — with little warning and even less explanation — slashed billions of dollars in federal funding to universities across America,” the filing says.
While Trump officials claim Harvard hasn’t done enough to fight antisemitism, the university says that’s just a cover. Harvard insists it’s taking action on that front, but says the administration’s demands go far beyond anything related to hate speech or discrimination.
“All told, the tradeoff put to Harvard and other universities is clear: Allow the Government to micromanage your academic institution or jeopardize the institution’s ability to pursue medical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, and innovative solutions,” the lawsuit states.
Trump hasn’t been quiet about the conflict. On social media last week, he blasted Harvard as “a JOKE,” claiming it “teaches Hate and Stupidity” and “should not longer receive Federal Funds.”
He went after university leadership too, calling them “ridiculously high-paid” and “some of the WORST and MOST INCOMPETENT” people in higher education. “Leftist dopes,” he said, “are teaching at Harvard.”
In a message to the university, Garber warned of the real-world consequences of the cuts. He said critical research is now at risk — including studies into childhood cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, infectious disease outbreaks, and treating wounded soldiers.
“The victims will be future patients and their loved ones who will suffer the heartbreak of illnesses that might have been prevented or treated more effectively,” he said.
The lawsuit could open the door for other schools to join the fight, especially those that, unlike Harvard, don’t have massive endowments or global influence.
