Trump Threatens Additional $1 Billion Funding Cut To Harvard Over Campus Protests

President Donald Trump has intensified his standoff with top U.S. academic institutions by proposing an additional $1 billion cut in federal research funding to Harvard University, citing concerns about how the institution handles pro-Palestinian campus protests and antisemitism.

Previously, the Trump administration froze $2.3 billion in federal funds to Harvard, Columbia University, and other institutions. This action followed accusations that these elite schools failed to properly manage demonstrations related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which, according to the administration, encouraged a rise in antisemitic behavior on campuses.

Harvard Pushes Back Against Federal Control

Harvard firmly rejected the federal government’s demands, which reportedly included oversight of student affairs, faculty decisions, and curriculum content. In a bold move, Harvard stated that accepting such conditions would undermine the university’s autonomy.

Shortly after Harvard made its stance public, the administration escalated the matter—freezing funding and even threatening to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status.

Additional $1 Billion Funding Withdrawal in the Works

According to The Wall Street Journal (a trusted source), administration insiders revealed that the proposed $1 billion cut is a result of a breakdown in private negotiations. Officials believed their detailed list of demands sent on April 11 would serve as a confidential basis for discussion. However, Harvard’s rejection of those terms prompted the administration to reconsider its initial approach.

Initially, Harvard was to be treated with more leniency than Columbia University. Now, the administration is reportedly planning to exert increased pressure on both institutions.

Neither Harvard nor the White House has issued an official statement regarding these developments as of the time this article was published.

Antisemitism vs. Free Speech: The Bigger Debate

Since taking office in January, President Trump has placed elite universities under intense scrutiny. He argues that many institutions failed to prevent antisemitism during the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests, allowing hate speech and threats to flourish under the guise of free expression.

However, student protesters—including Jewish advocacy groups—have challenged this narrative. They argue that criticizing Israeli policies, particularly regarding the conflict in Gaza, is a legitimate expression of free speech and not inherently antisemitic.