Trump unlawfully revoked federal funding for Harvard, according to a court ruling

In a significant victory for Harvard University, US District Judge Allison Burroughs has ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully terminated more than $2 billion in grants awarded to the prestigious institution. The ruling reinstates all of Harvard's federal funding that was frozen or cut since April 14, and it prohibits the government from making future cuts that violate Harvard's constitutional rights or federal law.

The conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard began when the university refused to comply with the administration's demands for changes to its governance and policies. The administration, led by President Trump, targeted Harvard's ability to host international students, which accounts for 27% of total enrollment in the 2024-25 academic year.

The Trump administration launched its campaign against top universities, including Harvard, after they defied his calls to submit to oversight of their curricula, staffing, student recruitment, and "viewpoint diversity." The administration also sought to prevent Harvard from hosting foreign students and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status.

Judge Burroughs suggested that Trump used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on Harvard University. The government has made claims about Harvard's alleged antisemitism, but Judge Burroughs has stressed that there is "little connection between the research affected by the grant terminations and antisemitism."

Harvard has begun funding some of its own research, but the university has warned that it cannot absorb the full cost of federal cuts. If the ruling stands, it will revive Harvard's extensive research operation and hundreds of projects that lost federal funding.

Trump and his allies claim that Harvard and other prestigious universities are unaccountable bastions of liberal, anti-conservative bias and antisemitism, particularly surrounding protests against Israel's war in Gaza. However, the judge's order underscores the importance of academic freedom and the separation of powers in the United States.

Allison Burroughs announced in her ruling over Harvard that she would impose injunctive relief and sanctions to deter future violations of constitutional rights or federal laws. This ruling marks a significant victory for Harvard in its battle with the Trump administration and upholds the principles of academic freedom and the rule of law.

It remains to be seen whether Harvard will actually receive the money, but the ruling is a clear indication that the Trump administration's tactics were unjust and unconstitutional. The university can now continue its research and education without fear of politically-motivated funding cuts.

Trump unlawfully revoked federal funding for Harvard, according to a court ruling