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Friday, Sep 18, 2026

Harvard University Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze

Harvard University Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze

The university accuses the administration of undertaking an arbitrary and unconstitutional campaign to 'punish Harvard for protecting its constitutional rights'
Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in federal court over its decision to freeze $2.2 billion in research funding.

The move comes after the administration reportedly planned to cut an additional $1 billion in federal grants and contracts from the university.

The lawsuit accuses the administration of imposing 'viewpoint-based conditions' on Harvard's funding, violating the First Amendment.

The university also alleges that federal agencies bypassed legally required procedures under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, cutting off grants without fair legal justification.

The freeze is part of a larger campaign by the Trump administration to pressure Harvard into restructuring its governance, academic programs, and hiring practices.

The university's president, Alan M. Garber, has stated that the administration's demands are an attempt to 'micromanage' the institution and infringe on its constitutional rights.

The lawsuit names several federal agencies as defendants, including the Department of Education, Department of Justice, and National Institutes of Health.

Harvard will be represented by lawyers with ties to President Donald Trump, including Robert K. Hur and William A. Burck.

The university has previously taken the Trump administration to court, successfully suing over its Covid-era policy barring international students from retaining their visas if they enrolled in virtual classes.
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