Trump Administration Escalates Attack on Harvard by Ordering Federal Contract Terminations

The Trump administration orders federal agencies to cancel approximately $100 million in contracts with Harvard University, intensifying its campaign to dismantle the Ivy League institution’s funding and international student enrollment.

On May 27, 2025, the Trump administration escalated its assault on Harvard University by instructing federal agencies to review and cancel all remaining contracts with the prestigious institution, totaling around $100 million.

This directive from the General Services Administration (GSA) represents a continuation of the administration’s politically motivated efforts to undermine Harvard’s financial stability and academic independence, following previous freezes on billions in federal research grants and attempts to expel international students.

Political Motivation Behind the Funding Cuts

This aggressive move is part of a broader campaign led by President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized Harvard as a bastion of liberalism and alleged antisemitism. Trump’s administration accuses the university of discriminatory admissions and ideological bias, using these claims to justify drastic funding cuts and restrictions.

The administration’s letter to federal agencies not only demands contract cancellations but also urges them to seek alternative vendors, signaling an intent to sever longstanding institutional ties.

Impact on Academic Freedom and International Students

Harvard’s leadership has condemned these actions as violations of constitutional rights and academic freedom. The university filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s policies, highlighting the detrimental effects on its diverse student body, including nearly 6,800 international students who face threats to their legal status in the U.S.

The Trump administration’s measures, including the suspension of international student enrollment, have been temporarily blocked by a federal judge, but the ongoing pressure threatens to destabilize Harvard’s role as a global center for education and research.

This unfolding situation exemplifies the Trump administration’s broader strategy to politicize education and punish institutions that resist its ideological agenda. By targeting Harvard, the administration aims to intimidate other academic institutions and reshape U.S. higher education according to its conservative priorities.