A federal judge in Boston has ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully froze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in contract funding awarded to Harvard University. This landmark decision marks a major legal win for the Ivy League school and a setback for the White House's efforts to condition federal research dollars on campus policy changes.
In April, officials demanded Harvard eliminate antisemitism on campus and dismantle certain diversity initiatives. When the university declined, the administration paused the flow of research funds – a move the court has now overturned.
"The funding must continue," wrote U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs. Her ruling comes amid a broader dispute that saw demands for Harvard to settle for "nothing less than $500 million," an appeal renewed by President Trump during a cabinet meeting.
Three other Ivy League schools, including Columbia University, have since reached agreements to restore frozen grants – Columbia paid $220 million in July. Harvard, however, has taken steps to improve campus safety and inclusivity after a wave of pro-Palestinian protests shook college towns following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Beyond the funding fight, the administration also targeted Harvard's accreditation and sought to limit international enrollment – international students account for about 25% of Harvard's community. In a separate ruling, Judge Burroughs blocked efforts to bar overseas scholars from attending the university.
Observers say this case will shape how governments tie funding to campus policies – and could set a precedent for universities around the world that rely on federal research grants to fuel innovation in fields from climate science to AI.
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Trump administration unlawfully cut Harvard's funding, judge rules
cgtn.com
