Trump administration reviews Harvard funding, potential $100M cuts ahead

This comes as part of a broader confrontation between the White House and the nation’s oldest university. A senior official confirmed that the Government Services Agency (GSA) will distribute a letter instructing agencies to scrutinise their contracts with Harvard, assessing whether they could be terminated or redirected elsewhere.

According to estimates, around 30 contracts with the university, worth an estimated $100 million, are now in jeopardy as agencies are asked to evaluate their significance to federal operations. Harvard has not responded to requests for comment regarding this development.

The process initiated by the White House won’t result in automatic funding cuts. Instead, it will prompt thorough reviews of contracts involving federal funding directed to Harvard.

The GSA is set to advise agencies to end contracts if they conclude that those agreements have not met established standards. The ongoing effort is, at least in part, supported by a draft letter that accuses Harvard of fostering discrimination and antisemitism. However, any cuts proposed are expected to spare hospitals affiliated with Harvard, according to an administration official who spoke to the BBC.

In instances where funding is necessary for the functioning of specific agencies, those agencies may petition for the continuation of the grants. The political and legal tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration have been intensifying notably over recent weeks. Just last week, the administration made headlines by revoking Harvard’s ability to enrol international students or host foreign researchers, creating widespread concern among those affected.

Harvard has responded robustly, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that the actions taken violate the university's First Amendment rights and infringe upon federal law, in a contentious confrontation.