Trump administration unlawfully cut Harvard’s funding, judge rules

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully terminated about $2.2 billion in research grants to Harvard University, blocking further attempts to cut off funding. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston delivered the decision, marking a significant legal victory for the university in its ongoing dispute with the White House.

The conflict began in April 2025 when the administration demanded that Harvard address alleged antisemitism on campus and dismantle certain diversity initiatives. After Harvard rejected the demands, the administration froze multi-year grants and contracts. Similar actions were taken against other Ivy League schools, including Columbia University, which reached a $220 million settlement to restore federal funding.

Harvard said it has taken measures to ensure campus safety and inclusivity for Jewish and Israeli students following tensions linked to pro-Palestinian protests after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The administration had also threatened Harvard’s accreditation and sought to bar international students, who make up about a quarter of the student body.

Judge Burroughs had previously blocked the administration from restricting Harvard’s ability to host international students.

Credit: CGTN