Harvard Amends Lawsuit to Challenge Trump Administration's Research Funding Cuts

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard University amended its lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday, escalating its challenge to $2.65 billion in research funding cuts that the university claims violate federal law and its First Amendment rights. The amended complaint, filed in response to a new round of grant terminations, accuses the government of attempting to coerce ideological conformity and disregarding established legal procedures.

The original lawsuit, filed April 21, sought to reverse the termination of $2.2 billion in federal grants. Last week, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon informed Harvard that it should no longer seek federal grants "since none will be provided." On Tuesday, the federal Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism announced an additional $450 million in grant cuts from agencies including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Defense Department, National Science Foundation, and Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The amended complaint argues that the funding terminations threaten Harvard's ability to conduct research driving breakthroughs in health, science, national security, and other fields. Grant termination letters from multiple agencies state that awards were canceled because the projects "no longer effectuate agency priorities," offering no path to modify the projects for approval.

"All told, the tradeoff put to Harvard and other universities is clear. Allow the government to micromanage your academic institution or jeopardize the institution's ability to pursue medical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, and innovative solutions," the complaint says.

Harvard President Alan Garber, in a letter to McMahon on Monday, sought to align with some administration priorities while firmly rejecting others. He highlighted Harvard's initiatives to combat antisemitism and foster constructive disagreement on campus.

The lawsuit contends that the funding cuts are unrelated to antisemitism allegations and instead reflect an attempt to enforce ideological balance, violating Harvard's free speech rights. The terminations also bypass federal procedures for addressing civil rights violations, the university argues. Garber's letter emphasized Harvard's nonpartisan stance:

Harvard has introduced new investments in Jewish studies and initiatives to enhance intellectual diversity, aiming to make the campus more pluralistic. Garber disputed claims of partisanship and highlighted the university's broader mission to improve lives globally. The lawsuit's outcome could set a precedent for how private universities navigate federal funding disputes amid political pressures.

The case remains pending, with Harvard seeking a court order to vacate the grant terminations and protect its research enterprise.