The stakes are escalating dramatically for Harvard University, now facing the potential loss of billions in federal funding following an investigation that found civil rights of Jewish students were violated. The Trump administration’s letter explicitly accused Harvard of being a “willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment.”
This severe threat comes on the heels of Harvard already forfeiting over $2.6 billion in federal funding. That prior loss was a direct consequence of the university’s rejection of President Trump’s comprehensive demands for reforms in campus hiring, admissions, and governance. The current threat signals a heightened level of pressure from the administration, linking civil rights directly to financial penalties.
President Trump’s broader critique of Harvard has also extended to its international student enrollment. He had previously suggested a cap of approximately 15% on foreign students, arguing that the university’s reported 31% international student body disadvantaged American applicants. This concern has been a recurring theme in the administration’s interactions with elite universities.
The dispute had previously culminated in a highly controversial move: the administration revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, prompting a lawsuit from Harvard alleging unconstitutional retaliation. Despite these deeply contentious moments, President Trump recently announced that negotiations with Harvard officials were proceeding positively, expressing optimism for a “mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC” settlement.