Trump Escalates Battle with Harvard, Threatens $3 Billion Funding Reallocation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 27, 2025 In a bold escalation of his administration's clash with elite academic institutions, President Donald Trump has accused Harvard University of "judge shopping" and threatened to redirect $3 billion in federal research grants from Harvard to trade schools across the country. The remarks, made on his Truth Social account, are part of a broader campaign by the administration against what it labels as “woke” ideology and “institutional antisemitism” in higher education.

Harvard has responded with a lawsuit arguing that the federal government’s actions violate constitutional protections and due process. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the student visa ban pending a full hearing. Harvard President Alan Garber has called the funding freeze "deeply harmful," not just to the university but to the nation’s scientific progress, citing breakthroughs in obesity and diabetes research that are now in jeopardy.

Critics say the Trump administration is using federal power to enforce ideological conformity and punish academic dissent, warning of chilling effects on academic freedom and international collaboration. "This is not just about Harvard," said one faculty advocate. "This is about whether American universities will continue to be global leaders in research and innovation—or political pawns in ideological wars."

As legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this confrontation may determine not only the future of federal-university relations, but also America’s role in global education and scientific leadership.

*Sources:
*https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-accuses-harvard-judge-shopping-005336980.html *https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-weighs-taking-3-billion-151833493.html *https://www.npr.org/2025/05/27/nx-s1-5409576/trump-harvard-lawsuit-funding-international-students