Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, challenging his administration’s move to cut $2.2 billion in federal funding and impose political oversight on the institution’s operations.
Filed on Monday, April 21 in a Massachusetts court, the lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of violating the First Amendment and federal laws by attempting to influence Harvard’s admissions, hiring practices, and political stance. The university describes the administration’s actions as “arbitrary and capricious,” seeking to overturn the funding freeze and recover legal expenses.
The legal battle comes amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and elite universities, which have been accused of tolerating anti-Semitism, particularly in the wake of protests linked to Israel’s war in Gaza. Harvard had previously sanctioned students involved in those demonstrations, placing 23 on probation and withholding degrees from 12.
Trump intensified the conflict by freezing federal funding and criticizing Harvard on his social media platform, calling it a “joke” that “teaches Hate and Stupidity,” and insisting it no longer deserves taxpayer support.
Harvard defended its policies, reaffirming its commitment to fighting discrimination while opposing what it views as political interference. The university emphasized that the funding freeze affects vital research in areas like medicine, science, and technology—fields unrelated to the administration’s stated concerns.
This lawsuit places Harvard at the forefront of a larger national debate over political influence in higher education and the balance between federal oversight and academic independence.
