The Trump administration has announced it is freezing federal grants to Harvard University, intensifying scrutiny over the institution’s handling of antisemitism, foreign student visa compliance, and taxpayer-funded programs that federal officials say undermine national security and American values.
On Wednesday night, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the cancellation of $2.7 million in grants to Harvard.
JUST IN: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announces cancellation of $2.7 million in grants to Harvard
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) April 17, 2025
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The announcement came through an official press release posted on the DHS website, which stated that the university is “unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer dollars.”
The press release also warned of further action.
“The Secretary also wrote a scathing letter demanding detailed records on Harvard’s foreign student visa holders’ illegal and violent activities by April 30, 2025, or face immediate loss of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification,” it stated.
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The grants in question include an $800,303 “Implementation Science for Targeted Violence Prevention” grant and a $1,934,902 “Blue Campaign Program Evaluation and Violence Advisement” grant.
According to the department, the former grant was used for a study that characterized conservatives as “far-right dissidents,” while the latter supported what DHS labeled as “public health propaganda.”
“Both undermine America’s values and security,” the release said.
The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this week to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard and to propose revoking the university’s tax-exempt status.
🚨BOOM. Harvard Just Got Put on Notice
Secretary Kristi Noem gave them an ultimatum: either cough up the records of their foreign student radicals by April 30th—or kiss your ability to host international students GOODBYE. 👋 pic.twitter.com/K9cg2hGIkx
— Jews Fight Back 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@JewsFightBack) April 17, 2025
In a post Tuesday on Truth Social, President Trump said Harvard should lose its tax status, a position followed by the administration’s formal request to the IRS on Wednesday.
President @realDonaldTrump is absolutely right—Harvard’s tax-exempt status should be on the table. When a university abandons its duty to foster truth and safety, embracing divisive ideologies over public good, it forfeits that privilege. Time to hold them accountable! pic.twitter.com/p9Dgv9x7b0
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) April 15, 2025
Secretary Noem issued a statement accompanying the DHS press release, strongly criticizing the university’s leadership and its campus climate.
“Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism—driven by its spineless leadership—fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security,” Noem said.
“With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvard’s position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory. America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars.”
The department also cited Harvard’s multibillion-dollar endowment, stating the university has the financial resources to fund itself without federal assistance.
“With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos—DHS won’t,” the release stated.
It further warned that if Harvard does not verify full compliance with DHS reporting requirements, it “will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students.”
Kristi Noem threatens to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students if the university refuses to share information on visa holders who engaged in violent protests.
“It’s a privilege to have foreign students attend Harvard, not a guarantee” pic.twitter.com/1w5CteeIAY
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 17, 2025
Harvard has faced mounting controversy in recent months.
Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks in Israel, pro-Palestinian protests broke out on college campuses nationwide, including Harvard.
The university’s handling of antisemitism allegations drew national attention.
Former university president Claudine Gay resigned in January 2024, less than a month after facing criticism for failing to clearly condemn calls for genocide against Jews during a congressional hearing. Gay also faced allegations of serial plagiarism.
The administration’s actions against Harvard come amid growing calls for accountability in higher education.
Critics have raised concerns that elite institutions have strayed from their educational missions, becoming politicized and unaccountable to taxpayers.
Some have pointed to institutions like Hillsdale College, a Christian liberal arts college that refuses federal funding, as a model for universities that choose not to rely on taxpayer money.
The administration has made clear that additional consequences may follow if Harvard fails to comply with federal requirements and expectations.
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