The Trump administration has taken a bold step, directing federal agencies to sever ties with Harvard University. This move is part of a broader campaign to hold elite educational institutions accountable for what the administration views as antisemitism and racial discrimination. The U.S. General Services Administration has instructed agencies to cancel contracts with Harvard and seek new vendors.
President Trump has also suggested redirecting the $3 billion in frozen federal funds from Harvard to support trade schools. A memo obtained by The New York Post reveals that approximately $100 million in federal contracts remain active with Harvard. Agencies have been asked to submit reports on which contracts have been or will be canceled by June 6.
The administration’s decision is driven by concerns over antisemitism and race-based admissions policies at Harvard. Earlier this month, Harvard was informed that it would not be eligible for future federal funds unless it met certain conditions. A letter to Harvard President Alan Garber outlined demands, including reforms to admissions and hiring practices.
The memo advises agencies to justify any retention of contracts with Harvard only if no other options exist. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with federal priorities and safeguarding taxpayer money. “As fiduciaries to the taxpayer, the government has a duty to ensure that procurement dollars are directed to vendors and contractors who promote and champion principles of nondiscrimination and the national interest,” the memo states.
Among the existing contracts at risk is a nearly $50,000 agreement with the National Institutes of Health for coffee-related health research. Another contract, valued at $25,800, involves executive training for the Department of Homeland Security. Harvard President Alan Garber responded, emphasizing the university’s commitment to knowledge and service.
Garber stated, “We need to be firm in our commitments to what we stand for. In the end, we’re about producing and disseminating knowledge and serving our nation and our world.” He added that the university’s leaders are committed to the good of the nation and the world.
The tensions between the White House and Harvard have been exacerbated by issues related to the university’s foreign student population. A federal judge recently blocked the administration from revoking Harvard’s authority to enroll international students. Nevertheless, the administration continues to demand a list of visa-holding students at Harvard.
President Trump expressed frustration on Truth Social, stating, “We are still waiting for the Foreign Student Lists from Harvard so that we can determine, after a ridiculous expenditure of BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, how many radicalized lunatics should not be let back into our Country.” International students account for 27% of Harvard’s student body, contributing significantly to tuition revenue.
The administration is also scrutinizing Harvard’s $53.2 billion endowment and has proposed increasing taxes on large endowments. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that Harvard’s tax-exempt status could be reviewed. House Republicans have advanced the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which proposes raising endowment tax rates substantially.
The proposed tax increase could cost Harvard an estimated $850 million annually. This move mirrors a similar strategy used in March to compel Columbia University to comply with reforms, under the threat of losing $400 million in federal funding. The administration’s actions represent a significant shift in how elite universities are held accountable.
