Harvard University Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Federal Grant Freeze

Memorial and Annenberg Halls at Harvard University on June 29, 2023, in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration following a decision to freeze $2.2 billion in federal grants and impose what the university described as “unprecedented and improper” oversight over its academic operations. The legal action, initiated in Massachusetts federal district court, marks a major escalation in tensions between one of America’s most prominent educational institutions and the federal government.

In a statement announcing the lawsuit, Harvard President Alan Garber warned of the far-reaching implications of the funding freeze. “The consequences of the government’s overreach will be severe and long-lasting,” he said.

The university’s 51-page complaint argues that the administration’s actions violate the First Amendment and multiple federal laws. Harvard is requesting that the court declare the president’s funding freeze unconstitutional and order the restoration of all affected grants.

The federal government implemented the freeze last week after Harvard declined to comply with a list of demands, which it said were aimed at curbing antisemitism on campus. These demands included an audit of student opinions and a ban on international students deemed “hostile to American values and institutions.”

Harvard’s lawsuit maintains that the freeze is not justified by antisemitism concerns and is unrelated to the research projects impacted. “The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation,” the complaint reads.

The university also highlighted the broad consequences of the freeze, arguing that it jeopardizes ongoing research programs, the beneficiaries of those programs, and America’s national interest in scientific advancement and innovation.

Following Harvard’s refusal to comply, former President Donald Trump suggested revoking the university’s tax-exempt status — a move Harvard asserts has no legal standing and would have devastating effects on the institution.

This lawsuit adds to a growing list of conflicts between the federal government and top universities. Columbia University recently agreed to federal demands after facing a $400 million funding cut over accusations of inaction in response to antisemitism. Princeton University was similarly penalized, with $4 million in funding cut due to its promotion of “climate anxiety” research, which Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized. Princeton is one of several universities now suing the administration over what it calls a “flagrantly unlawful” attack on academic freedom and federally funded research.