'Reputation in serious jeopardy': Harvard's $9 billion federal funds at risk amid review

The Trump administration has launched a review of $9 billion in federal contracts and grants awarded to Harvard University as part of its broader initiative to address what it claims is antisemitism on college campuses.
The Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and the U.S. General Services Administration announced that they are scrutinizing $255.6 million in contracts between Harvard, its affiliates, and the federal government, along with $8.7 billion in multi-year grant commitments, reported news agency Reuters.
This investigation follows a precedent set by the same federal task force which recently cut $400 million in funding to Columbia University.
"Harvard's failure to protect students on campus from antisemitic discrimination - all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry - has put its reputation in serious jeopardy," Secretary of education Linda McMahon told Reuters.
"Harvard can right these wrongs and restore itself to a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking, where all students feel safe on its campus."
The Trump administration had issued an ultimatum to Columbia, demanding policy changes in response to concerns over antisemitism. Columbia agreed to many of the proposed reforms, a decision that received mixed reactions—some Jewish organisations welcomed the changes, while free speech advocates condemned them as an unprecedented federal overreach.
Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, expressed concerns over the potential impact of the funding review.
“If this funding is stopped, it will halt life-saving research and imperil important scientific research and innovation,” he told news agency AP.
Acknowledging the presence of antisemitism at Harvard, he added, “It is present on our campus,” and revealed that he had personally experienced it, even as the university’s leader.
The federal government provides substantial financial support to American universities, particularly through research grants. In light of this, the administration has placed multiple institutions on notice, warning that similar funding reviews could take place if allegations of antisemitism are not adequately addressed.
Supporters of the administration’s actions argue that it is a necessary measure to counter what they see as radical left-wing ideology dominating university campuses. However, critics claim the move represents an excessive crackdown that threatens academic freedom and free speech rights.
As part of the review, the government will determine whether any specific contracts with Harvard should be halted. Additionally, the task force has instructed the university to provide a comprehensive list of all its federal contracts, including those held through affiliates.