🇺🇸 Trump Administration Moves to Slash $100 Million in Federal Contracts for Harvard

 

By International Correspondent
Date: May 28, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.

In a bold and controversial move, the Trump administration has directed multiple federal agencies to begin the process of terminating over $100 million worth of contracts and grants awarded to Harvard University, citing alleged political bias and lack of transparency in research funding practices.

The directive, which surfaced through a memorandum issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Monday, has sent shockwaves across the academic and policy communities, reigniting longstanding tensions between the former president and elite academic institutions.

🏛 Allegations of Bias and Mismanagement

The administration’s decision is reportedly based on a recent internal review which accused Harvard of “engaging in research and academic activities that are inconsistent with the interests of American taxpayers.”

The memo further states:

“It is not the role of the federal government to subsidize institutions that promote ideological conformity, stifle dissent, and receive disproportionate public resources without adequate accountability.”

Unnamed sources close to the Trump campaign claim the former president is especially critical of what he terms the "weaponization of academia" to promote "anti-American" narratives.

💼 Contracts Under Review

The contracts at risk span multiple departments, including:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH): Biomedical research projects.

• Department of Defense (DoD): Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity grants.

• Department of Energy (DOE): Clean energy initiatives.

• National Science Foundation (NSF): STEM education and innovation research.

Officials from the OMB have reportedly instructed these agencies to prepare formal notices of contract withdrawal, pending legal review.

🎓 Harvard Responds

In a swift response, Harvard University President Dr. Alan Garber issued a statement expressing “profound concern” over the administration’s actions:

“This appears to be a politically motivated attack on academic freedom and the principle of open inquiry. We urge all stakeholders to preserve the sanctity of research and education in the national interest.”

Dr. Garber also emphasized that Harvard will pursue legal options if necessary to challenge the cancellations, which he says could impact over 1,500 researchers and students.

🗳 Political Context

This development comes amid the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections, with Trump intensifying rhetoric against “left-wing elites” as part of his renewed populist campaign strategy. Harvard, often seen as a symbol of establishment academia, has been a frequent target in Trump’s speeches.

“This is not about education—it’s about power, influence, and ideology,” said Dr. Rachel Levine, a political analyst at the Brookings Institution. “Harvard is being used as a proxy in a much larger battle over the soul of American governance and intellectual life.”

⚖ Legal and Academic Fallout

Legal scholars warn that the unprecedented nature of this decision could set a dangerous precedent.

“Cutting off funding retroactively without evidence of contractual breach may violate federal procurement laws,” said Professor Miguel Sanchez, a constitutional law expert at Stanford. “It’s likely this will end up in federal court.”

Meanwhile, academic institutions across the U.S. have expressed solidarity with Harvard. The Association of American Universities (AAU) released a joint statement urging the federal government to “uphold the principles of academic independence and resist political intrusion.”

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🔍 What’s Next?
Legal teams from both the government and Harvard are reportedly preparing for a potential court battle. Congressional Democrats are expected to challenge the move during upcoming oversight hearings, while conservative lawmakers have largely rallied behind Trump’s decision.