The Trump administration is taking steps to reassess federal funding to Harvard University, targeting an estimated $100 million across approximately 30 contracts. This initiative is part of the administration’s ongoing contention with the storied institution.
According to a senior White House official, the Government Services Agency (GSA) will distribute a letter to various agencies, requesting a review of their contracts with Harvard to decide if any funding can be annulled or redirected.
While the funds will not be systematically revoked, the review aims to evaluate the importance of Harvard’s federal funding from the administration’s perspective. Agencies will be encouraged to terminate contracts that they deem inadequate, possibly reallocating those resources to other organizations.
The letter drafted by the GSA accuses Harvard of fostering discrimination and antisemitism as a rationale for the funding review. An official from the administration clarified that any cuts would not affect hospitals tied to Harvard.
If an agency believes a grant is essential for its operations, it can advocate for the continuation of that funding. The standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard has intensified recently, especially after Harvard’s ability to enroll international students or host foreign researchers was revoked, leading to confusion for many students. In response, Harvard has initiated legal action against the administration, citing violations of its First Amendment rights and other federal laws.
Source: www.bbc.com
