Washington, D.C. – In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the White House and America’s most prestigious university, the Trump administration is preparing to review approximately $100 million in federal contracts and grants to Harvard University, citing allegations of antisemitism and discrimination.
The Government Services Administration (GSA) is expected to issue letters to U.S. federal agencies directing them to identify contracts with Harvard that could be canceled or redirected. A senior White House official confirmed that as many as 30 contracts may be impacted by the review, which forms part of a broader political and legal standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard in recent months.
The move follows previous actions by the administration, including freezing $2.65 billion in federal funding and attempting to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students. The latter effort triggered a court battle that resulted in a temporary restraining order protecting the university’s international programs.
Harvard Responds to Trump Funding Threats
While Harvard University has not yet commented on the latest developments, its website emphasizes that much of its “cutting-edge medical, scientific, and technological research” depends on government funding. Research into cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases, and aging could be halted midstream, the university warns.
Alan Garber, Harvard’s interim president, told NPR: “Why cut off research funding? Sure, it hurts Harvard, but it hurts the country. The funding pays for work the federal government itself deems high-priority.”
The Sinclair Lab at Harvard Medical School is already feeling the impact. Its research on aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and immune disorders has suffered after losing key NIH grants. Founder Dr. David Sinclair noted, “The loss of funding halts ongoing experiments and threatens the role of international scholars essential to U.S. innovation.”
Antisemitism Allegations and Student Backlash
The White House’s draft letter alleges that Harvard has engaged in discriminatory and antisemitic practices—claims strongly rejected by many on campus. On Tuesday evening, dozens of students and faculty members staged a protest against the administration’s punitive actions.
Jacob Miller, a student and former head of Harvard Hillel, said, “The administration’s excuse that these policies address antisemitism is absurd.”
International Students and Graduate Research at Risk
The administration’s attempts to limit international enrollment and funding access have sparked anxiety among Harvard’s diverse academic community. Harvard alumnus Adam Nguyen, founder of Ivy Link, warns that these actions will have a “hugely negative” impact on graduate and PhD students.
“If you have the cuts, they’re out of a job,” Nguyen said. “There’s no money to fund their research. You’re talking about cuts, layoffs, and immediate stop-work orders.”
What Comes Next?
The GSA’s review will allow agencies to retain funding for research they consider vital. However, the uncertainty has already rattled Harvard and raised concerns about the broader implications for scientific research and academic freedom in the U.S.
As the battle between Harvard and the Trump administration intensifies, the outcome could reshape not only the university’s future but also the landscape of federally funded higher education research in America.
For ongoing coverage of U.S. education policy and political developments, read our related blog on US Visa Restrictions for International Students.