Trump Administration Halts US$450 Million Grant to Harvard University

7 hours ago 4

TEMPO.COM, Jakarta - The United States government under Donald Trump has halted a US$450 million grant to Harvard University as of Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

According to Antara, Harvard University President Alan Garber sent a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Monday, May 12, 2025, rejecting accusations of political bias at the university. He also warned that the government's overreach threatens basic freedoms.

The following day, a coalition within the U.S. government issued a letter condemning Harvard for allegedly failing to address widespread racial discrimination and anti-Semitic harassment.

Impact of Grant Termination

In response to the funding cut, Alan Garber announced on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, that the university would allocate US$250 million, or approximately Rp4.1 trillion, from its own funds to support ongoing research. This measure is meant to help mitigate the effects of the canceled federal grant.

Garber, along with Harvard Law School Dean John Manning, stated that the university will work with researchers to adjust affected programs.

"Although we cannot absorb the entire cost of the suspended or canceled federal funds, we will mobilize financial resources to support critical research activity for a transitional periods," said Garber.

University Response

Harvard has challenged the decision by filing a lawsuit to reverse it, arguing that the government’s funding freeze is unlawful. The Trump administration has threatened to withhold federal support from several universities, including Harvard.

Officials cited campus protests in support of Palestine and the existence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs as reasons for the move.

Background Letter

One justification for cutting the grant was Harvard’s support for Palestine and its DEI initiatives.

In April 2025, Trump sent a letter to the university listing several demands. These included altering the admissions process to prevent international students who oppose American values (particularly those accused of supporting terrorism or anti-Semitism) from enrolling.

The letter also demanded the closure of all DEI-related offices and programs, along with institutional reforms to improve transparency with federal authorities.

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