Harvard's growing clash with Trump administration: A blow-by-blow account

Harvard University and the Trump administration are locked in a legal and political standoff after the US government suspended federal funding, revoked international student enrolment rights, and demanded major reforms. The conflict began in April and has escalated rapidly, with a federal court now involved.

Federal funds frozen
President Donald Trump accused Harvard of promoting “hate and stupidity” in a post on his own social media platform, Truth Social. He called the university “a JOKE” and said it hired “woke, radical left, idiots.” He urged that Harvard “should no longer receive federal funds.”

Soon after the statement, federal agencies froze $2.2 billion in previously approved funds. In response to this, a government antisemitism task force added that $450 million more would be withheld, citing concerns about pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus and alleged harassment of Jewish students.

Visa rights revoked
Earlier this month, the administration began citing pro-Palestinian campus protests as justification for its actions. Officials claimed Jewish students faced harassment and accused Harvard of failing to act.

Subsequently, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed Harvard that its license to enrol international students was revoked. The university was given 72 hours to provide detailed information about its foreign students to regain the license.

Harvard sues Trump administration
Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit in a federal court. The university argued that the government’s decision would cause “immediate and irreparable injury,” especially for its 6,800 international students, who pay around $400 million in annual tuition fees and could lose their legal US residency rights.

Court issues temporary block on administrative decision
US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs ruled in Harvard’s favour and temporarily blocked the administration’s order. A full hearing is scheduled for May 29 to decide whether to extend the block or allow the enforcement of visa restrictions.

Ongoing federal pressure
Harvard is not the only institution targeted. In March, the Trump administration pulled $400 million in funding from Columbia University, citing failure to address harassment of Jewish students. While Columbia made some changes, it did not escape federal penalties.

Harvard stands out by openly challenging the administration in court. Its financial strength — backed by a $50 billion endowment — gives it room to resist.

The administration is also proposing new capital gains taxes on university endowments. Institutions with more than $2 million per student in endowment assets could face a 21% tax.

Sweeping reforms demanded
Federal agencies issued a joint letter demanding sweeping reforms by August 2025. The letter mandates that Harvard must:

• Eliminate preferences based on race, religion, sex, or national origin
• End diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs
• Limit influence of faculty and students seen as activists
• Ensure future admissions avoid students deemed “hostile” to American institutions

The administration argues that these steps are necessary to restore balance in university governance and protect constitutional rights on campus.

What lies ahead
The court will hold a hearing on May 29 to decide whether the temporary legal relief granted to Harvard will be extended. The outcome could influence how other universities respond to similar pressures and set the tone for future federal-university relations in the US.