Washington, D.C.: The Trump administration on Monday issued a sharp warning to Harvard University, accusing it of violating the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli students and threatening to cut off all federal funding unless the university takes urgent corrective action.
This move intensifies former President Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign against elite US universities, which he accuses of harboring liberal bias, lack of accountability, and in this case, anti-Semitism.
“If you break federal law, you should not be receiving federal tax dollars,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, referencing alleged civil rights violations.
Government Probe Alleges Civil Rights Violations
In a letter addressed to Harvard’s president, a federal task force concluded the university was “in some cases deliberately indifferent, and in others a willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment.”
The findings stem from campus protests in response to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which reportedly created a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students.
“Jewish and Israeli students were assaulted and spit on; they hid their kippahs and concealed their identity,” the letter stated.
It also claimed that a majority of Jewish students felt discriminated against, and a quarter felt physically unsafe on campus.
Harvard Responds, Disagrees with Findings
Harvard responded by strongly disagreeing with the allegations, stating it had taken “substantive, proactive steps” to combat antisemitism within its community.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all students,” the university said in a statement.
Immigration and Visa Fallout
The Trump administration is also pursuing actions to remove Harvard from a federal immigration registry, a move that would block international students from enrolling. US embassies have reportedly been instructed to deny visas to foreign students accepted at Harvard — a policy currently blocked by court injunctions.
High Stakes for Harvard
International students make up 27% of Harvard’s student body for the 2024–25 academic year and contribute significantly to the university’s revenue. If federal support and international enrollment are curtailed, Harvard could face major operational and financial consequences.