The administration of US President Donald Trump has declared that Harvard University will no longer be eligible for federal research funding, marking a significant escalation in its standoff with the prestigious Ivy League institution.

In a letter sent Monday, US Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused Harvard of undermining the integrity of higher education and announced the university would no longer receive public grants.

“Harvard has made a mockery of academia,” McMahon stated, adding that the institution should now rely solely on its substantial endowment and wealthy donor base for financial support.

The announcement follows last month’s suspension of nearly $2.3 billion in federal funds, a move the administration said was in response to Harvard’s alleged failure to address what it described as widespread anti-Semitism on campus.

The funding freeze was imposed after the university rejected government-imposed conditions, including mandatory external reviews of students and faculty to ensure “viewpoint diversity,” which Harvard argued would compromise its independence.

McMahon’s letter echoed a range of criticisms frequently leveled by conservative figures against elite universities. She accused Harvard of compromising academic standards and admitting international students who, in her words, "show hostility toward the United States."

“Who are these so-called ‘students’? Where do they come from, and why is there so much HATE?” she wrote, mimicking the rhetorical style of former President Trump with capitalized emphasis.

She also questioned why the university had not provided clear answers to public concerns.

In a response, Harvard condemned the administration's actions, calling them retaliatory and unlawful.

“This latest letter threatens to withhold funding vital to lifesaving research and innovation, in direct response to our April 21 legal challenge,” a university spokesperson said.

The university reiterated its commitment to legal compliance, academic freedom, and the promotion of diverse viewpoints, while condemning any attempts at political interference.

The backdrop to the controversy includes ongoing unrest across U.S. campuses over the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has sparked accusations of both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic behavior. Two internal Harvard reviews last month confirmed that members of the university community had experienced bias on both fronts.

Harvard President Alan Garber has acknowledged the tensions and pledged to ensure that the university fosters a climate of mutual respect where no student is marginalized for their identity or beliefs.

Conservative critics, including Trump and his allies, have long accused Harvard and other elite institutions of silencing right-wing views and advancing a liberal agenda.

Source: Al Jazeera

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