Trump Threatens $9B in Harvard Funding Over Anti-Semitism

The U.S. government is reviewing $9 billion in funding for Harvard University over concerns about anti-Semitism on campus, officials announced Monday. This follows the government's decision to reduce millions in funding for Columbia University, which has also seen intense pro-Palestinian protests in the wake of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

President Donald Trump has been actively targeting prestigious universities that experienced protests related to the conflict, stripping federal funds and threatening deportation for foreign student demonstrators, including those with green cards.

The review will focus on $255.6 million in contracts between Harvard and the federal government, along with $8.7 billion in multi-year grant commitments, according to the General Services Administration.

Critics argue that the administration's actions are punitive and may stifle free speech on campuses, while supporters claim the moves are necessary to protect Jewish students and restore order.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated, "Harvard's failure to protect students from anti-Semitic discrimination—while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry—has put its reputation at serious risk."

She added, "Harvard can right these wrongs and restore itself as a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking, where all students feel safe."

Harvard President Alan Garner responded by stating that halting the funding would jeopardize life-saving and scientific research. He emphasized that the university had taken steps to address anti-Semitism, including strengthening rules and disciplinary measures over the past 15 months.

Trump's administration has also targeted Columbia University, initially reviewing $400 million in funding, detaining a graduate student linked to the protests, and seeking the arrest of others. Columbia University later proposed concessions to define anti-Semitism and regulate protests but stopped short of meeting some of the administration's more stringent demands.

Monday's official statement indicated that the review of Columbia University led to an agreement on nine preconditions for further negotiations on the reinstatement of federal funds.