Harvard University filed a federal lawsuit Monday against the Trump administration, accusing it of unlawfully freezing billions in research funding to pressure the school into complying with politically driven demands. The University called the cuts—$2.2 billion already imposed and a reported $1 billion more—part of an unconstitutional effort to control academic programs and hiring practices.
University President Alan Garber said the government’s actions violate Harvard’s First Amendment rights, using concerns about antisemitism as a pretext for overreach. The lawsuit names multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, as defendants.
Harvard is seeking to block the funding freeze and reject federal attempts to dictate internal policies. The legal clash marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Ivy League institution and the White House.
