Trump Administration Plans to Withdraw $100m in Harvard Funding Amid Ongoing Dispute

By Neerav June 4, 2025
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The United States government is reportedly preparing to pull approximately $100 million in federal contracts from Harvard University, the country’s oldest and most prestigious institution, intensifying an ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and the university.

A leaked draft letter from the General Services Administration (GSA), obtained by The New York Times, instructs federal agencies to terminate all remaining contracts with Harvard and seek alternative vendors. The letter, dated 27 May, cites allegations of anti-Semitism and racial discrimination within Harvard’s admissions and student life as justification for the move.

“This review aligns with the administration’s directive that all federal contracted services steadfastly uphold and advance strategic priorities,” the GSA stated.

This development marks a further escalation in the administration’s broader campaign against elite US universities. Harvard has been accused by the Trump administration of failing to address anti-Semitism on campus and of bias against conservative viewpoints. Last week, the administration sought to bar Harvard from enrolling new international students, prompting a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order on the directive.

International students make up a significant portion of Harvard’s population, and the sudden restrictions have caused considerable concern, especially with graduation approaching.

The administration previously froze $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard after the university resisted demands to combat anti-Semitism more aggressively, cease diversity initiatives, and provide extensive records on international students. In addition to these measures, US consulates worldwide have been instructed to halt new student visa interviews as part of a broader tightening of immigration and social media vetting for prospective students.

The future of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) scheme, which allows international graduates to work in the US post-study, is also under threat, with proposals to eliminate work authorisations beyond the duration of study.

Harvard has yet to comment on the latest funding withdrawal plans.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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