Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump, challenging the legality of a decision to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding allocated to the institution.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday, April 21, in a Massachusetts federal court, alleges that the Trump administration is unlawfully leveraging federal funds to exert political control over academic institutions. The legal complaint also names other prestigious universities reportedly targeted by the administration.
“This case involves the Government’s efforts to use the withholding of federal funding as leverage to gain control of academic decision-making at Harvard,” the university stated in the filing.
Harvard accuses the government of violating constitutional protections, particularly the First Amendment, and breaching federal laws and regulations. The lawsuit describes the administration’s actions as “arbitrary and capricious.”
The dispute stems from the Trump administration’s broader campaign against elite U.S. universities, which it accuses of fostering anti-Semitic environments and promoting politically liberal ideologies. Trump has cited last year’s widespread campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza as justification for tightening scrutiny on institutions like Harvard.
In response to the protests, Harvard reportedly placed 23 students on probation and denied degrees to 12 others. However, the university has pushed back against further federal interference in its admissions, hiring practices, and internal governance.
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Last week, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express disdain for the institution, saying:
“Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World’s Great Universities or Colleges. Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.”
Harvard is seeking a court declaration that the freezing of funds and the attached conditions are unlawful, in addition to requesting the court to mandate that the government cover the university’s legal costs.
The lawsuit comes amid growing tension between the Trump administration and the academic community, with critics describing the government’s actions as a political witch-hunt cloaked in concern for civil rights and national values.
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