Trump Cuts Off New Federal Research Grants to Harvard
- Trump administration halts Harvard access to new federal research grants on U.S. Teacher Appreciation Day 2025, escalating tensions with elite universities.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued the decision in a strongly worded letter sent to Harvard President Alan Garber. The letter accused the university of failing its legal and ethical obligations and claimed Harvard had violated federal policies, particularly around free speech, affirmative action, and student conduct.
Research Funding Slashed Over $1 Billion Annually
- Trump administration halts Harvard access to over $1 billion in federal research funding, according to officials. While Pell Grants and student loans remain unaffected, the administration has already frozen $2.2 billion in multi-year research funds.
- McMahon’s letter stated Harvard can continue to operate as a privately-funded institution relying on its $53 billion endowment if it refuses to cooperate.
Demands: From DEI Programs to Protest Mask Bans
The letter listed a series of demands Harvard must meet to regain eligibility. These include:
- Eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs
- Banning masks during campus protests
- Enforcing merit-based hiring and admissions
- Releasing foreign students’ discipline records
Additionally, the administration has threatened to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status and bar it from hosting international students unless reforms are made.
Harvard Pushes Back Against Federal Control
- Harvard officials condemned the federal move, stating the university “will continue to comply with the law, promote viewpoint diversity, and combat antisemitism.” A university spokesperson said that the administration’s actions would impose “unprecedented and improper control” over higher education.
- President Garber affirmed Harvard will not surrender its independence or “relinquish its constitutional rights.”
Other Top Universities Under Pressure
- Harvard isn’t alone. Princeton, Cornell, and Northwestern also face federal scrutiny. More than 60 colleges and universities are under investigation for alleged antisemitic incidents.
- The Trump administration has even proposed a consent decree for Columbia University that would install federal oversight—a move Columbia’s leadership has pushed back against.
Tensions Rise on Teacher Appreciation Week
While the country celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, with discounts at McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A for Teacher Appreciation 2025, the government’s aggressive action toward higher education raises concerns among educators about the future of academic freedom.
Final thoughts
The Trump administration’s decision to cease funding Harvard serves as a reminder of the growing conflict between conservative political objectives and academic institutions. With Teacher Appreciation Day 2025 highlighting the value of education, the struggle for control over what is taught in schools and on campuses is becoming more fierce.
Source: CNN
