Court Blocks Trump Administration’s $2.6bn Funding Cut to Harvard

A federal judge in Boston has overturned the Trump administration’s decision to cut at least $2.6 billion in research grants for Harvard University.

US District Judge Allison Burroughs ruled on Wednesday that the administration had used antisemitism as a pretext for what she described as an “ideologically motivated assault on this country’s premier universities.”

“We must fight against antisemitism, but we equally need to protect our rights, including our right to free speech, and neither goal should nor needs to be sacrificed on the altar of the other,” Burroughs said.

She stressed that the courts must safeguard academic freedom and free speech, ensuring that vital research is not undermined by arbitrary or politically motivated funding cuts.

The ruling marks a major victory for Harvard in its ongoing battle with former President Donald Trump’s administration, though the case may not be over as Trump previously vowed to appeal any unfavorable judgment.

The dispute stems from the administration’s broader campaign against elite universities, citing opposition to race-conscious admissions and alleged liberal bias. While institutions such as Columbia and Brown reached agreements with the government, Harvard resisted changes to its admissions, curriculum, and hiring policies.

Harvard sued after the administration froze $2.2 billion in grants the same day it rejected sweeping demands outlined in an April 11 letter. Officials later declared the university ineligible for new grants and began canceling contracts.

In its suit, Harvard accused the administration of retaliation. President Alan Garber reiterated the school’s commitment to combating antisemitism but insisted that no government should dictate what universities can teach, who they admit or hire, or what areas of research they pursue.

Federal officials denied retaliation, arguing the grants had already been under review. But Burroughs, in her 84-page ruling, said the administration’s actions were clearly ideological, not tied to antisemitism.

“Harvard is currently, even if belatedly, taking steps it needs to take to combat antisemitism and seems willing to do even more if need be,” she added.