The Trump administration is taking steps to terminate all remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, amounting to around $100 million, as reported by CNN. This decision reflects the ongoing tension between the White House and the institution, which has resisted various policy demands during a broader campaign against U.S. colleges that are perceived as politically liberal.
In a letter issued to procurement officials, General Services Administration representative Josh Gruenbaum instructed agencies to cancel contracts that do not meet specified standards. This follows an earlier correspondence in April where Harvard was presented with a list of governance and curriculum demands that the university rejected.
The New York Times initially disclosed these impending cuts, which come on top of $2.65 billion in federal reductions already affecting Harvard. The White House had previously announced a review of approximately $9 billion in contracts and grants committed to Harvard over an extended period.
The recent letter reiterates various grievances against the university, including allegations of racial discrimination in admissions—a matter currently under scrutiny by the Supreme Court—as well as concerns regarding the safety and welfare of Jewish students. CNN has reached out to Harvard’s legal representatives, as the institution has increasingly found itself in the crosshairs of the administration’s discontent.
Harvard has largely pushed back against numerous government requests, including demands for comprehensive records on foreign students and audits to verify the university’s commitment to “viewpoint diversity.” However, university officials assert that they are adhering to the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action and are actively addressing antisemitism on campus.
Harvard President Alan Garber, in an interview with NPR prior to the announcement of the new cuts, expressed uncertainty about the administration’s motivations but noted a cultural battle at play. He suggested that the administration’s dissatisfaction stems from broader changes within academic environments and the values that institutions like Harvard represent.
The U.S. Department of Education has cautioned colleges and universities about potential repercussions if they fail to protect Jewish students adequately and has threatened federal funding for institutions that consider race in various aspects of student engagement.
In response to these pressures, Harvard recently filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the suspension of $2.2 billion in federal grants and contracts, followed by another $450 million hold. Additionally, the administration has revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students, a decision currently under judicial review after a federal judge placed it on hold. The university contends that this revocation is retaliation for its unwillingness to comply with the government’s ideologically driven demands.
Moreover, Trump has hinted at the possibility of cutting an additional $3 billion in federal grant funding for Harvard and revoking its tax-exempt status.
