Harvard University’s campus climate is under intense scrutiny from the Trump administration, which is threatening to cut all federal funding after concluding that civil rights of Jewish students were violated due to anti-Semitism. The investigation found Harvard to be a “willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment,” alleging campus leaders fostered a permissive environment.
This severe threat comes on the heels of Harvard already forfeiting over $2.6 billion in federal funding. That prior loss was a direct consequence of the university’s rejection of President Trump’s comprehensive demands for reforms in campus hiring, admissions, and governance. The current threat signifies a heightened level of pressure from the administration.
President Trump’s broader critique of Harvard has also extended to its international student enrollment. He had previously suggested a cap of approximately 15% on foreign students, arguing that the university’s reported 31% international student body disadvantaged American applicants. This concern has been a recurring theme in the administration’s interactions with elite universities.
The dispute had previously culminated in a highly controversial move: the administration revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, prompting a lawsuit from Harvard alleging unconstitutional retaliation. Despite these deeply contentious moments, President Trump recently announced that negotiations with Harvard officials were proceeding positively, expressing optimism for a “mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC” settlement.
