Harvard University will be barred from receiving any new federal research grants under an order from President Donald Trump’s administration, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced on Tuesday.
In a letter shared on X, McMahon accused Harvard of failing to address antisemitism on campus and criticized the university’s use of race in admissions. “This letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided,” she wrote to the university’s president. An Education Department official clarified to the Associated Press that the move applies strictly to federal research grants and does not affect student financial aid.
Trump vs Harvard row
Previously, the Trump administration has urged Harvard University to undertake significant reforms in its governance and leadership, overhaul its admissions policies, and conduct a thorough review of its faculty and student body to promote the inclusion of diverse perspectives on campus. According to the White House, this initiative is part of a broader campaign to combat campus antisemitism, following widespread pro-Palestinian demonstrations at U.S. universities last year.
The administration is also scrutinizing the role of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Criticism of Harvard has increasingly focused on its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, alongside growing concerns among conservatives regarding freedom of speech and ideological diversity at the institution.
“Harvard is literally laughing at you Trump”
The announcement sparked swift backlash online, with netizens accusing the Trump administration of acting out of spite. “Wow. Forever? Doesn’t this make this administration look petty and really stupid,” one user posted. Another added, “Harvard is literally laughing at you, Trump. All this because the little psychopath Barron didn’t get in. lol.” Echoing the sentiment, a Redditor wrote, “What a pathetic little man—this is all because his kid couldn’t get into Harvard.” Others warned of the fallout: “Pissing off the most educated, competent, and intelligent people in the world—often with law degrees—is proooobably not a great idea.”