Harvard Urges Court to Reinstate $2.5B in Federal Grants Amid Trump Administration Cuts

Harvard University has asked a federal judge to reinstate $2.5 billion in canceled federal grants and halt further funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration. At a hearing in Boston on Monday, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs heard arguments from both sides but issued no immediate ruling.

The Trump administration claims the funding cuts are part of efforts to withhold taxpayer dollars from institutions allegedly fostering antisemitism. Justice Department attorney Michael Velchik argued the matter belongs in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and criticized Harvard for “prioritizing campus protestors over cancer research.”

Harvard, however, contends the cuts are retaliatory, stemming from its refusal to comply with an April demand to overhaul its governance, hiring, and admissions policies. The university says the administration’s actions threaten vital research into cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and infectious diseases.

Attorney Steven Lehotsky, representing Harvard, called the cuts politically motivated and harmful to public health, emphasizing there’s no evidence linking the grants to antisemitism.

Judge Burroughs expressed concern over the government's claim it can cut research funding unilaterally and questioned the legality of withdrawing funds over issues related to speech and campus climate.

The administration has also increased the federal excise tax on Harvard’s $53 billion endowment, potentially costing the school nearly $1 billion annually. Harvard President Alan Garber warned that these moves could lead to layoffs and a hiring freeze.

While Harvard has acknowledged and condemned antisemitic incidents, it argues the administration’s demands exceed legal bounds and infringe on academic freedom protected by the First Amendment.

Burroughs previously blocked efforts to restrict Harvard’s international student programs and is expected to issue a written decision on the grant dispute in the coming weeks.