Harvard University faces Trump administration review of $8.7 billion in grants amid antisemitism investigation

Rick Sobey, Boston Herald on Mar 31, 2025

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BOSTON — The Trump administration is launching a review of billions of dollars in federal contracts and grants at Harvard University amid an antisemitism investigation at the Cambridge campus.

The federal Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced that it will review more than $8.7 billion in multiyear grant commitments to Harvard University and its affiliates.

The task force will also probe the more than $255.6 million in contracts between Harvard University, its affiliates and the federal government.

“Harvard has served as a symbol of the American Dream for generations – the pinnacle aspiration for students all over the world to work hard and earn admission to the storied institution,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.

“Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination – all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry – has put its reputation in serious jeopardy,” the secretary added. “Harvard can right these wrongs and restore itself to a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking, where all students feel safe on its campus.”

A spokesperson for Harvard did not immediately respond to comment.

This task force review comes after the feds notified Columbia University in early March that their federal contracts and grants were under review in light of ongoing antisemitism investigations.

The task force then canceled about $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia. That review led to Columbia agreeing to comply with nine preconditions for further negotiations regarding a return of canceled federal funds, according to the feds.

Harvard has been directed to submit a comprehensive list of all contracts — both direct and through affiliates — between their institution and the federal government that were not included in the initial review.

“The Task Force will continue its efforts to root out anti-Semitism and to refocus our institutions of higher learning on the core values that undergird a liberal education,” said HHS Acting General Counsel and Task Force member, Sean Keveney. “We are pleased that Harvard is willing to engage with us on these goals.”

The U.S. General Services Administration has been asked to facilitate the review of federal funding received by Harvard, including grant and contract reviews across the federal government.

“Hate in any form goes against the foundational principles of America,” said FAS (Federal Acquisition Service) Commissioner and Task Force Member, Josh Gruenbaum. “While Harvard’s recent actions to curb institutionalized anti-Semitism – though long overdue – are welcome, there is much more that the university must do to retain the privilege of receiving federal taxpayer’s hard earned dollars.

“This administration has proven that we will take swift action to hold institutions accountable if they allow anti-Semitism to fester,” he added. “We will not hesitate to act if Harvard fails to do so.”

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