US Government Terminates $60 Million in Grants to Harvard Over Anti-Semitism, Discrimination Allegations

In a bold move, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the termination of approximately $60 million in multi-year federal grants awarded to Harvard University, citing the university’s alleged failure to address anti-Semitic harassment and racial discrimination on campus.

The HHS emphasized that federal funds must support institutions that provide a safe environment for all students. This decision adds to an escalating conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University. Earlier, over $2.2 billion in federal research and education funding had already been frozen.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon declared Harvard “a mockery of higher education” and stated that it should now rely on its vast endowment and wealthy alumni instead of federal support. Harvard, in turn, has filed a lawsuit, claiming the funding freeze is unconstitutional and politically motivated.

The conflict stems from student-led pro-Palestinian protests at elite US campuses, including Harvard, in response to Israel’s war in Gaza. While the Trump administration labels these protests as anti-Semitic and unlawful, students argue they are peaceful demonstrations against human rights violations.

Harvard President Alan Garber recently committed $250 million from the university’s endowment to keep vital research projects running.