Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the elite institution and the Republican president. The legal challenge comes after Trump repeatedly threatened to cut federal funding to prestigious universities, including Harvard, accusing them of tolerating campus anti-Semitism and pushing for greater political oversight of academia.
In its lawsuit, filed in a Massachusetts federal court, Harvard accused the administration of attempting to leverage federal funds to influence academic decisions—a move the university argues violates the First Amendment and federal laws. The complaint described Trump’s actions as “arbitrary and capricious,” emphasizing that the government’s approach undermines institutional autonomy.
The Trump administration has defended its crackdown on universities, citing concerns over rising anti-Semitism and criticizing diversity initiatives aimed at rectifying historical injustices against minorities. Officials have pointed to last year’s pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses—including at Harvard—as evidence of unchecked anti-Jewish sentiment.
In response to these protests, Harvard disciplined multiple students, placing 23 on probation and withholding degrees from 12 others, according to protest organizers. While some universities, like Columbia, have complied with certain Trump administration demands, Harvard has resisted, arguing that the government’s actions threaten academic freedom. The lawsuit also references other institutions targeted by Trump, framing the case as a broader defense of university independence.