Harvard Sues Trump Admin Over $2B Federal Grant Freeze

Harvard University filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking to overturn the Trump administration’s freeze on more than $2.2 billion in research grants, calling the move a politically motivated retaliation for the university’s refusal to curb campus activism.

The lawsuit, filed in Boston federal court, accuses the administration of overstepping its authority and violating constitutional protections after Harvard declined to comply with demands to reform leadership, overhaul admissions, audit diversity policies, and clamp down on student protest groups.

The administration’s demands, delivered in an April 11 letter, were part of a sweeping crackdown on what it calls rising antisemitism and ideological bias at elite universities. Officials cited protests last year against Israel’s war in Gaza as evidence of unchecked antisemitism on campus.

Harvard President Alan Garber pushed back forcefully, refusing to make the changes. Hours later, the government froze federal funding, halting billions in grants that support medical, scientific, and technological research.

“The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the research it has frozen, which aims to save American lives, foster economic success, and bolster national security,” the lawsuit states. It calls the funding freeze “arbitrary and capricious,” arguing it violates Harvard’s First Amendment rights and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

The White House swiftly responded.
“The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families, is coming to an end,” said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields in a statement. “Taxpayer funds are a privilege — not a right — and Harvard no longer meets the conditions to receive that privilege.”

This lawsuit marks the first major legal challenge to the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape higher education. Conservative leaders have increasingly targeted research funding as a lever to force changes at what they see as ideologically biased institutions.

Among the administration’s demands: stricter discipline for protesters, new screening of international students for “anti-American values,” changes to admissions policies, disbanding of certain student groups, and faculty audits to ensure ideological diversity.

Last week, Trump escalated the pressure, using Truth Social to question whether Harvard should keep its tax-exempt status, accusing the university of promoting “terrorist-inspired sickness.”

Harvard’s case follows a similar lawsuit filed earlier this month by the American Association of University Professors, which challenges a pending federal review of Harvard’s funding.

In a letter to the university community, President Garber framed the legal action as a stand for academic freedom.
“We stand for the truth that colleges and universities can fulfill their role in society without improper government interference,” he wrote. “Today, we defend the values that have made American higher education a global beacon.”

Anurima Bhargava, a Harvard alumna and civil rights advocate, praised the move.
“The Trump administration continues its reckless and unlawful attack for power and control over Harvard, slashing billions in funding for research that saves lives,” she said. “Harvard has once again refused to yield.”

The American Council on Education, representing more than 1,600 colleges and universities, also backed Harvard’s legal action.
“It's clear the administration’s actions violate due process and the rule of law,” said Ted Mitchell, the council’s president. “We applaud Harvard and urge the courts to deliver a strong rebuke to this dangerous precedent.”