Trump admin yanks $2.2 billion in federal funding from Harvard in legal battle
By Josh Christenson
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has canceled $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard University amid an escalating legal battle over the Ivy League institution’s failure to crack down on antisemitism, according to a senior White House official.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) director for extramural research Michelle Bulls fired off a May 6 letter to Harvard president Alan Garber first informing him of the withdrawn funds, claiming the billions of dollars had not been used “to benefit the American people and improve their quality of life.”
In addition to knocking Harvard’s failure to halt “widespread abuse of Jewish and Israeli students” by demonstrators on campus, the letter alleged that the school “continues to engage in race discrimination including in its admissions process.”
Alan M. Garber was named president of Harvard University on August 2, 2024, after serving as interim president since January 2, 2024.
Harvard University
The letter Michelle Bulls sent to Harvard president Alan Garber on May 6, 2025.
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The missive also cited purported race discrimination at the Harvard Law Review.
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“Supporting research in such an environment is plainly inconsistent with NIH’s priorities,” Bulls told Garber in the letter, which was first reported by the Daily Mail.
“You may object and provide information and documentation challenging these terminations,” Bulls added, noting that NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya would have to receive a formal request within 30 days.
Donald Trump looks on following a swearing-in ceremony for the new U.S. ambassador to China, former U.S. Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2025.
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President Trump following a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to China, former US Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.), at the White House in Washington, DC, May 7, 2025.
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People seen leaving through Harvard University's entrance gate.
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People leaving through Harvard University’s entrance gate.
AFP via Getty Images
The yanked funding comes after Harvard sued the Trump admin for initially freezing the US taxpayer-provided monies — and Education Secretary Linda McMahon warned its administrators on Monday not to apply for further federal grants.
The Post reached out to reps at Harvard University for comment.
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