Trump administration to scrutinize billions in funding received by Harvard
The administration of US President Donald Trump is currently reviewing approximately $9 billion in federal grants and contracts associated with Harvard University, accusing the institution of inadequately addressing anti-Semitism on its campus....
TroibNews 
The administration of US President Donald Trump is currently reviewing approximately $9 billion in federal grants and contracts associated with Harvard University, accusing the institution of inadequately addressing anti-Semitism on its campus.
This assessment reportedly stems from universities' management of pro-Palestinian student protests that arose in response to Israel's offensive in Gaza last year.
On Monday, the White House issued a statement indicating that it is scrutinizing over $255 million in contracts between Harvard and the US government to ensure adherence to civil rights laws. Additionally, around $8.7 billion in grant commitments related to the university and its affiliates will also be evaluated.
In February, the Justice Department established a multi-agency task force aimed at combating anti-Semitism, with a primary focus on harassment occurring in educational institutions. Officials stated that the group would collaborate across federal law enforcement to “root out” anti-Semitic behavior on campuses across the country.
Last month, the task force withdrew $400 million in funding from Columbia University and cautioned that billions more could be withheld unless the institution complied with a series of demands from the Trump administration.
Earlier this month, Columbia agreed to many of the proposed alterations, garnering praise from Jewish organizations while drawing criticism from advocates for free speech who view such actions as federal overreach.
“Harvard has served as a symbol of the American dream for generations – the pinnacle aspiration for students all over the world to work hard and earn admission to the storied institution,” remarked US Education Secretary Linda McMahon in a statement. “Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination – all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry – has put its reputation in serious jeopardy.”
Harvard President Alan Garber recognized the existence of anti-Semitism on the university's Cambridge campus but asserted that Harvard has made efforts to combat it.
“For the past fifteen months, we have devoted considerable effort to addressing anti-Semitism,” Garber stated. “We have strengthened our rules and our approach to disciplining those who violate them.”
This crackdown follows a surge of pro-Palestinian protests that took place last year at universities across the US, where students called for an end to US support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In response to the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel—resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and 250 individuals being taken hostage—Israel launched a significant military operation in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 50,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the Israeli military response. Columbia served as a central hub for protest movements in the US, alongside institutions such as UC Berkeley, Harvard, Yale, Michigan, and Northwestern.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
This assessment reportedly stems from universities' management of pro-Palestinian student protests that arose in response to Israel's offensive in Gaza last year.
On Monday, the White House issued a statement indicating that it is scrutinizing over $255 million in contracts between Harvard and the US government to ensure adherence to civil rights laws. Additionally, around $8.7 billion in grant commitments related to the university and its affiliates will also be evaluated.
In February, the Justice Department established a multi-agency task force aimed at combating anti-Semitism, with a primary focus on harassment occurring in educational institutions. Officials stated that the group would collaborate across federal law enforcement to “root out” anti-Semitic behavior on campuses across the country.
Last month, the task force withdrew $400 million in funding from Columbia University and cautioned that billions more could be withheld unless the institution complied with a series of demands from the Trump administration.
Earlier this month, Columbia agreed to many of the proposed alterations, garnering praise from Jewish organizations while drawing criticism from advocates for free speech who view such actions as federal overreach.
“Harvard has served as a symbol of the American dream for generations – the pinnacle aspiration for students all over the world to work hard and earn admission to the storied institution,” remarked US Education Secretary Linda McMahon in a statement. “Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination – all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry – has put its reputation in serious jeopardy.”
Harvard President Alan Garber recognized the existence of anti-Semitism on the university's Cambridge campus but asserted that Harvard has made efforts to combat it.
“For the past fifteen months, we have devoted considerable effort to addressing anti-Semitism,” Garber stated. “We have strengthened our rules and our approach to disciplining those who violate them.”
This crackdown follows a surge of pro-Palestinian protests that took place last year at universities across the US, where students called for an end to US support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In response to the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel—resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and 250 individuals being taken hostage—Israel launched a significant military operation in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 50,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the Israeli military response. Columbia served as a central hub for protest movements in the US, alongside institutions such as UC Berkeley, Harvard, Yale, Michigan, and Northwestern.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
