Summary:
- The Trump administration is cutting all federal contracts with Harvard University, worth approximately $100 million.
- Officials cite alleged racial discrimination in admissions and failure to address antisemitism as key reasons.
- Critics argue the move is politically motivated and intended to pressure universities into conforming to federal ideologies.
The Trump administration announced plans on Tuesday to sever all remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, intensifying its campaign against the Ivy League institution over issues tied to race-based admissions, campus activism, and student diversity policies.
According to a draft letter from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the administration is directing federal agencies to review and potentially terminate or reassign their contracts with Harvard, which are estimated to total around $100 million.
The letter, dated May 27 and signed by Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of the GSA’s federal acquisition service, also encourages agencies to seek “alternative vendors” for future services.
Federal Contracts Under Review
This latest move comes after the Trump administration previously froze over $3 billion in grants and attempted to bar Harvard from enrolling international students. The administration argues that the university continues to engage in racial discrimination—particularly in its admissions practices—and has shown insufficient action to address alleged antisemitic behavior on campus.
“Harvard continues to engage in race discrimination, including in its admissions process and in other areas of student life,” the letter states. It also criticizes the university’s “disturbing lack of concern for the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students.”
Among the affected contracts are federal research and service agreements with agencies like the National Institutes of Health, Department of Homeland Security, and others. These include projects such as a $49,858 study on coffee consumption and a $25,800 executive training program.
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While some contracts deemed “mission critical” may remain in place temporarily, they are expected to be transitioned to new vendors. Agencies must respond to the GSA’s directive with a list of proposed cancellations by June 6. Harvard University has not issued an official response as of Tuesday.
Political and Legal Implications
This escalation reflects the Trump administration’s broader effort to reshape the landscape of American higher education. Officials claim their actions are aligned with civil rights enforcement, casting race-conscious admissions as discriminatory.
Supporters argue such policies ensure fairness and meritocracy. Opponents, however, see the move as a politically charged attempt to punish academic institutions that resist federal influence or support progressive causes, such as pro-Palestine activism.
Meanwhile, legal tensions continue. Last week, a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the administration from revoking Harvard’s authorization to enroll international students, pending further hearings. As this multi-front battle unfolds, it signals a deepening clash between federal authority and institutional independence in the realm of higher education.