Trump Administration Reviews $9 Billion in Harvard Funding Amid Antisemitism Crackdown

The Trump administration is reviewing nearly $9 billion in federal contracts and grants awarded to Harvard University as part of its campaign against antisemitism on college campuses. Agencies including the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration are examining $255.6 million in current contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grants tied to Harvard and its affiliates.

This move follows the administration’s earlier cancellation of $400 million in federal funds to Columbia University, citing its handling of anti-Israel protests after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and Israel’s military response in Gaza. Critics argue the administration is conflating pro-Palestinian activism with antisemitism, while supporters say it's addressing a rise in campus extremism and protecting Jewish students.

The Department of Education recently warned 60 universities, including Harvard, that they could face enforcement under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act if they fail to safeguard Jewish students. ICE has also detained foreign student protesters, with some facing deportation.

Harvard, which has previously stated its opposition to all forms of discrimination, has launched a task force addressing bias against both Jews and Arabs. The university has yet to comment on the current investigation.

Former Harvard President Claudine Gay and other Ivy League leaders faced backlash after a congressional hearing in late 2023, where they declined to clearly state whether calls for the genocide of Jews violated school policies. That controversy further fueled scrutiny of elite institutions.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that Harvard’s reputation is at risk for failing to protect students and promoting divisive ideologies. She emphasized the university has a chance to restore its commitment to academic excellence and student safety.