Trump Administration Cites “Grow” of Anti-Semitism at Harvard

The Trump administration has explicitly cited the “grow” of anti-Semitism on Harvard’s campus as a key reason for its threat to cut all federal funding. An investigation concluded that civil rights of Jewish students had been violated, with a letter from the administration stating that campus leaders let the anti-Semitism fester, making Harvard a “willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment.”
This severe threat comes on the heels of Harvard already forfeiting over $2.6 billion in federal funding. That prior loss was a direct consequence of the university’s rejection of President Trump’s comprehensive demands for reforms in campus hiring, admissions, and governance. The current threat signifies a heightened level of pressure from the administration.
President Trump’s broader critique of Harvard has also extended to its international student enrollment. He had previously suggested a cap of approximately 15% on foreign students, arguing that the university’s reported 31% international student body disadvantaged American applicants. This concern has been a recurring theme in the administration’s interactions with elite universities.
The dispute had previously culminated in a highly controversial move: the administration revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, prompting a lawsuit from Harvard alleging unconstitutional retaliation. Despite these deeply contentious moments, President Trump recently announced that negotiations with Harvard officials were proceeding positively, expressing optimism for a “mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC” settlement.