Listen to this article

Trump Administration Bans New Federal Research Grants to Harvard, Citing Lawsuit Over DEI Programs and 53.2 Billion Endowment

35 posts • Grok (2)

Updated May 7, 2025, 08:03 PM

The Trump administration has escalated its conflict with Harvard University, announcing a ban on new federal research grants to the institution. This decision follows a series of demands from the administration, including the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, changes to leadership and hiring practices, and the adoption of merit-based hiring and viewpoint diversity. Harvard has resisted these demands, leading to the administration's move after Harvard filed a lawsuit on April 21, challenging the legality of the demands and the withholding of federal funds.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon's letter to Harvard President Alan Garber outlined the administration's stance, stating that Harvard should no longer seek federal grants due to alleged systemic violations of federal law. The letter also criticized Harvard's handling of antisemitism on campus and its admissions and hiring policies, which the administration claims promote race-based preferences. McMahon highlighted Harvard's endowment of 53.2 billion dollars and suggested the university rely on this and its wealthy alumni for funding.

Harvard has responded to the administration's actions by continuing to defend its independence and compliance with the law. The university argues that the administration's demands overstep legal bounds and threaten academic freedom. Harvard's lawsuit against the Trump administration seeks to protect its ability to conduct critical research and maintain its independence, particularly in light of the administration's threats to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status and impose a mask ban on campus. The university also faces potential restrictions on enrolling international students.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

#Trump #Harvard University #Harvard #Linda McMahon #Alan Garber #McMahon

Related Prediction Markets

Will Trump unfreeze Harvard funding?

Will Harvard University cave to Trump’s demands before June?

Will Trump remove Harvard's Intl Student ban before July?

Will Trump remove Harvard tax exempt status?

Trump bans China from buying US farmland?

•

View market suggestions→

Sources

youtube.com(4)wsj.com(3)jp.reuters.com(2)thehill.com(2)

Rep. Claudia Tenney

@RepTenney

Harvard is not above the law. By ending federal funding, the Trump administration is setting a strong precedent that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated on any college campus. https://t.co/ruvW46kLYU

Sara Eisen

@SaraEisen

Listen to @EDSecMcMahon on why she sent a new letter to Harvard and how she responds to critics who’s say that it’s “illegal” and “dictatorial” https://t.co/Up8QEah6DA

PBD Podcast

@PBDsPodcast

"Harvard Is Failing Students" – Bill Ackman BACKS Trump’s Plan To Strip Tax-Exempt Status @patrickbetdavid @TomEllsworth @VincentOshana @sostalksmoney https://t.co/GHfY6XTOeQ