- Federal officials escalated pressure on Harvard University by freezing research funding and threatening the university’s foreign student certification. They tied the actions to the school’s refusal to meet demands about campus protests and international visa oversight.
- The Department of Homeland Security canceled $2.7 million in grants and blocked access to more than $2 billion in broader funding.
- Officials gave Harvard until April 30 to turn over records involving foreign students or risk losing federal certification for the program.
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The Trump administration threatened to revoke Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students after the school rejected federal demands tied to campus protests and alleged antisemitism. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem ordered Harvard to submit records by April 30 regarding “illegal and violent activities” by some foreign visa holders.
Noem warned that failure to comply could lead to the university losing its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification.
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What funding has been affected?
DHS canceled two grants totaling more than $2.7 million to Harvard. One targeted violence prevention research and the other evaluated public health messaging.
The administration also froze over $2 billion in federal funding and proposed revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status. The White House said Harvard’s rejection of policy changes tied to admissions, hiring and protest discipline prompted the cuts.
What prompted the crackdown?
Trump officials cited campus demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza as justification, describing them as antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas. Harvard officials said they are addressing campus antisemitism while upholding academic freedom and constitutional protections.
Protests have included participation by Jewish student groups critical of U.S. support for Israel.
How has Harvard responded?
Harvard said it will comply with federal laws but refused to accept government oversight of its academic practices. It said it would not compromise academic independence or free speech.
Harvard leaders warned that losing tax-exempt status would impact financial aid and research programs. The school holds a $53.2 billion endowment.
How could this impact other universities?
Harvard is one of several institutions facing scrutiny under the Trump administration. Other schools, including Columbia, Cornell and Northwestern, have faced funding freezes or demands for policy changes.
The administration has also revoked hundreds of student visas and proposed restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
What happens next?
DHS gave Harvard until April 30 to provide records on its foreign students. Meanwhile, the IRS will review the university’s tax status.
Critics said the moves reflect broader attempts to reshape U.S. higher education.
