Brade
Harvard University has initiated legal action against the Trump administration following the controversial multibillion-dollar freeze of federal research funding allocated to the institution. In a decisive move, Harvard President ALAN GARBER announced the lawsuit via a post on X, stating, “Moments ago, we filed a lawsuit to halt the funding freeze because it is unlawful and beyond the government’s authority.”
The lawsuit comes just one day after the Trump administration reportedly planned to cut an additional $1 billion in federal grants and contracts to Harvard, as disclosed by *The Wall Street Journal*. This follows last week’s announcement of a $2.2 billion freeze on federal funding to the university. In response, a White House spokesperson told *Fox News Digital*, “Harvard’s gravy train of federal assistance is coming to an end.” The spokesperson added, “Taxpayer funds are a privilege, and Harvard fails to meet the basic conditions required to access that privilege.”
In a 51-page complaint obtained by *Fox News Digital*, Harvard alleges that the Trump administration unlawfully froze billions in research funding to pressure the institution into restructuring its governance, academic programs, and hiring practices. The complaint states, “The tradeoff put to Harvard and other universities is clear: Allow the Government to micromanage your academic institution or jeopardize the institution’s ability to pursue medical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, and innovative solutions.”
Harvard’s legal team emphasized the university’s commitment to its independence, asserting, “No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.” The complaint further argues that the funding freeze violates the First Amendment by imposing viewpoint-based conditions on Harvard’s funding.
President ALAN GARBER highlighted the severe and long-lasting consequences of the government’s actions, particularly in light of recent efforts by the White House to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status over allegations of failing to address antisemitism on campus. The complaint acknowledges steps taken to combat antisemitism but stresses that more work remains. “Harvard is committed to combatting antisemitism, one of the most insidious forms of bigotry, and to broadening the intellectual and viewpoint diversity within our community,” the filing reads.
The lawsuit also challenges the administration’s rationale for the funding freeze, stating, “The Government has not—and cannot—identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation.”
In March, the Justice Department initiated a comprehensive review of Harvard’s federal contracts and government-funded grants. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) canceled $2.7 million in DHS grants to the university. President ALAN GARBER acknowledged the gravity of these developments, stating, “No one in our community should experience bias, intolerance, or bigotry. We believe adoption of the recommendations and other measures will go far toward eradicating those evils on our campus.”
Former President DONALD TRUMP weighed in on the matter via social media, claiming, “Harvard has lost its way and didn’t deserve federal funding.” He criticized the university for what he described as hiring “woke, Radical Left, idiots and ‘birdbrains’” and accused the institution of teaching “Hate and Stupidity.”
Harvard’s lawsuit underscores its determination to defend its autonomy and challenge what it views as governmental overreach. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for federal funding and academic independence across higher education institutions nationwide.
Sources: [Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com), [The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com)
