Introduction to the Crisis

Harvard University will receive no new federal grants until it meets a series of demands from President Donald Trump’s administration, the Education Department announced Monday.

By COLLIN BINKLEY, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The action was laid out in a letter to Harvard’s president and amounts to a major escalation of Trump’s battle with the Ivy League school. The administration previously froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard, and Trump is pushing to strip the school of its tax-exempt status.

Background on the Dispute

In a press call, an Education Department official said Harvard will receive no new federal grants until it “demonstrates responsible management of the university” and satisfies federal demands on a range of subjects. It applies to federal research grants and not federal financial aid students receive to help cover tuition and fees.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the decision on a call with reporters.

Specific Demands by the Administration

The official accused Harvard of “serious failures” in four areas: antisemitism, racial discrimination, abandonment of rigor and viewpoint diversity. To become eligible for new grants, Harvard would need to enter negotiations with the federal government and prove it has satisfied the administration’s demands.

Harvard’s president has previously said he will not bend to government’s demands. The university sued to halt its funding freeze last month.

Implications of the Decision

The implications of this decision are far-reaching, affecting not just Harvard but potentially other institutions that receive federal funding. The move is seen as a significant escalation in the battle between the Trump administration and institutions of higher learning.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Timeline of Events

Originally Published: May 5, 2025 at 6:28 PM EDT, this announcement marks a new chapter in the ongoing saga between the Trump administration and Harvard University.

Conclusion

The decision by the Education Department to withhold new federal grants from Harvard University until it meets a series of demands highlights the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and institutions of higher learning. The implications of this move are significant, not just for Harvard but for the broader academic community. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Harvard and other affected institutions will respond to these demands.

FAQs

• Q: What is the reason behind the Education Department’s decision to withhold federal grants from Harvard?
  • A: The decision is based on accusations of "serious failures" in areas such as antisemitism, racial discrimination, abandonment of rigor, and viewpoint diversity.
• Q: Does this decision affect all forms of federal funding to Harvard?
  • A: No, it applies to federal research grants and not federal financial aid that students receive to help cover tuition and fees.
• Q: What must Harvard do to become eligible for new grants?
  • A: Harvard must enter negotiations with the federal government and prove it has satisfied the administration’s demands regarding the mentioned areas of concern.
• Q: How has Harvard responded to the administration’s demands?
  • A: Harvard’s president has stated that the university will not bend to the government’s demands, and the university has sued to halt its funding freeze.