President Trump has accused Harvard University of being antisemitic and a threat to democracy, prompting a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funds, with plans to cut an additional billion. This action follows anti-Israel unrest on U.S. campuses, with the administration demanding Harvard reform its governance, leadership, and admissions processes to exclude students hostile to American values. Harvard refused to comply, arguing that government should not dictate private university policies, and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the administration for the 'unlawful' fund freeze. Despite the administration's stance, Harvard's leaders and major donors sought a compromise, although the university publicly rejected the administration's demands. The controversy arises amidst broader criticisms of Harvard's handling of antisemitism, exemplified by former President Claudine Gay's resignation following her contentious remarks on the issue.

President Trump labeled Harvard as an antisemitic, far-left institution that threatens democracy, justifying the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal funding, with intentions to reduce another billion.

The administration's actions are a response to anti-Israel activities on campuses, demanding Harvard reform its admissions to exclude students deemed hostile to American values or supportive of terrorism and antisemitism.

Harvard, asserting the independence of private universities, refused to meet the demands, leading to a lawsuit against the Trump administration, which it accused of unlawfully freezing funds.

Despite Harvard's public refusal of the administration's demands, internal pressures from leaders and donors motivated efforts to negotiate a deal with the government.

The controversy is intensified by previous criticisms of Harvard's response to antisemitism, with former President Claudine Gay resigning after controversial statements during a congressional hearing.

Trump's criticism included the firing of William Burck, Harvard’s attorney and former legal advisor to the Trump Organization, highlighting personal and professional tensions.

The administration's letter to Harvard emphasized the need for reforms by August 2025, targeting governance, leadership, hiring, and admissions processes to align with U.S. values.