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3w ago

Trump Administration Admits Harvard Demands Letter Was Sent in Error but Maintains Funding Freeze

The White House acknowledges the April 11 letter was unauthorized but upholds financial threats, escalating tensions over university autonomy and federal oversight.

Students walk on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., April 15, 2025. REUTERS/Faith Ninivaggi/File Photo
People walk through campus at Harvard University on April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Trump administration announced that it would block Harvard University from receiving $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts after the school refused demands to adopt new policies relating to student and faculty conduct, admissions, anti-semitism on campus and DEI.
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Overview

  • The Trump administration confirmed the April 11 letter to Harvard, which included sweeping policy demands, was sent without proper authorization.
  • Despite admitting the mistake, the White House continues to freeze $2.2 billion in federal grants and threatens nearly $9 billion more, along with Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
  • Harvard maintains its rejection of the federal demands, citing concerns over constitutional overreach and the autonomy of private universities.
  • The standoff has drawn widespread criticism, including from legal experts and editorial boards, who argue the administration’s actions exceed executive authority.
  • This dispute highlights broader debates over academic freedom, federal authority, and the role of higher education in addressing societal issues like antisemitism.