The U.S. government has announced a review of $9 billion in funding for Harvard University over allegations of anti-Semitism on campus. This follows a recent decision to cut millions in federal funding from Columbia University, which has also faced intense pro-Palestinian student protests.
President Donald Trump has escalated his crackdown on universities that have witnessed mass demonstrations over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. His administration has revoked federal funding, detained student protesters for deportation, and ordered stricter campus oversight.
According to the General Services Administration, the review will cover $255.6 million in federal contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grant commitments to Harvard.
The move has sparked debate, with critics arguing that the administration’s actions are punitive and stifle free speech, while supporters claim they are necessary to restore order on campuses and protect Jewish students.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that Harvard’s failure to prevent anti-Semitic discrimination and its emphasis on divisive ideologies have damaged its reputation.
“Harvard can correct these issues and reaffirm its commitment to academic excellence and truth-seeking,” she said.
Harvard President Alan Garner warned that halting federal funds would disrupt critical research and scientific innovation.
“The government is considering this action over concerns that Harvard has not done enough to combat anti-Semitic harassment,” Garner said, insisting that the university has strengthened its policies over the past 15 months.
The Trump administration has also placed Columbia University under scrutiny, initially reviewing $400 million in federal funding. Authorities detained a graduate student for deportation over their involvement in protests and warned of further arrests.
Columbia later introduced new measures, including a revised definition of anti-Semitism, stricter protest policies, and increased oversight of certain academic departments.
A government statement on Monday noted that Columbia had agreed to nine preconditions for negotiations over restoring its canceled funds, setting a precedent for other institutions facing similar reviews.