United States – The U.S. government announced Monday it will initiate a sweeping review of $9 billion in federal funding to Harvard University over allegations of anti-Semitism and campus unrest linked to pro-Palestinian protests. This move marks the latest escalation by President Donald Trump’s administration in its campaign against elite academic institutions that have seen intense student demonstrations related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The General Services Administration confirmed that the review will include scrutiny of $255.6 million in current federal contracts and an additional $8.7 billion in long-term research grants awarded to Harvard. This comes shortly after the administration slashed millions in funding from Columbia University in New York, which was similarly embroiled in campus protests.
 

President Trump has taken an aggressive stance against student activism that he characterizes as anti-Semitic and disorderly. His administration has not only moved to strip funding from universities but also directed immigration enforcement agencies to begin deportation proceedings against foreign students involved in protests, even those holding green cards. Supporters of the crackdown argue that the administration is acting to restore order and ensure the safety of Jewish students on campuses that have become flashpoints of Middle East-related tensions. Critics, however, warn that the administration’s actions threaten free speech and academic independence by leveraging federal funding as a political tool.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon reinforced the administration's position, stating, “Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination — all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry — has put its reputation in serious jeopardy.” She emphasized that the university still has an opportunity to correct course. “Harvard can right these wrongs and restore itself to a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking, where all students feel safe.” In response, Harvard University President Alan Garner voiced deep concern over the potential loss of federal support. “If this funding is stopped, it will halt life-saving research and imperil important scientific innovation,” he said.
 

Garner added that the university has actively worked to combat discrimination, especially over the past 15 months. “We have strengthened our rules and our approach to disciplining those who violate them,” he said, contesting the government’s claim that Harvard has failed to uphold its obligations. Meanwhile, Columbia University remains under federal scrutiny as well. The Trump administration had initially placed $400 million in Columbia’s funding under review and detained a graduate student linked to the protests for potential deportation. Other protest participants have also faced arrest threats. In an effort to maintain access to federal resources, Columbia responded by introducing a series of policy changes. These included clearer definitions of anti-Semitism, stricter protest regulations, and increased oversight of departments involved in the demonstrations. Although the university did not meet all the Trump administration’s conditions, officials noted that Columbia's cooperation signaled progress.
 

“Today’s actions by the Task Force follow a similar ongoing review of Columbia University,” the government statement said. “That review led to Columbia agreeing to comply with nine preconditions for further negotiations regarding a return of cancelled federal funds.” The funding reviews are part of a broader political and cultural battle over academic freedom, free expression, and the boundaries of protest in American higher education. With prestigious institutions now facing financial jeopardy over their handling of complex global issues, the Trump administration appears committed to reshaping the university landscape through direct federal intervention. As the investigations continue, the fate of billions in academic grants—and the future of protest on campus—hangs in the balance.