Harvard Sues Donald Trump: Read Complaint in Full

Harvard University is suing the Trump Administration over its $2.2 billion funding freeze imposed after the Ivy League college defied a list of demands for sweeping changes.

The Trump administration has demanded that universities dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, and suppress student protests on campus, in particular related to the war in Gaza.

"The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America's position as a global leader in innovation," Harvard's lawsuit states.

"Nor has the Government acknowledged the significant consequences that the indefinite freeze of billions of dollars in federal research funding will have on Harvard's research programs, the beneficiaries of that research, and the national interest in furthering American innovation and progress."

Read Harvard's full complaint below:

Why It Matters

The Trump administration has hit out as some of the nation's leading educational institutions, accusing them of failing to deal with antisemitic and anti-American rhetoric on campus. But critics argue the administration's actions are aimed at restricting free speech, in violation of the First Amendment.

Some international students have also seen their visas revoked following claims they were involved in disorder and protests.

What To Know

Harvard's lawsuit — filed on Monday at the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts — called Trump's funding freeze "arbitrary and capricious," adding that it violated its First Amendment rights and the statutory provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Within hours, the White House hit back. "The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families is coming to an end," White House spokesman Harrison Fields said on Monday.

"Taxpayer funds are a privilege, and Harvard fails to meet the basic conditions required to access that privilege."

The White House has also asked the IRS to revoke Harvard's tax exempt status and threatened to bar the university from enrolling international students unless it provides certain student records.

Newsweek contacted the White House and Department of Education for comment outside of regular working hours.

In the spring of 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrations erupted on university campuses throughout the U.S., including Harvard.

Participants said they were protesting against Israeli military operations in Gaza, and support provided by the U.S. government. However some Jewish students said they faced antisemitic abuse from some individuals affiliated with the protests.

In March, Columbia University announced a series of concessions in response to Trump's demands to implement changes or lose $400 million in federal funding.

The demands included banning masks that conceal a person's identity, hiring 36 new campus security officers, and establishing a senior vice provost to review "programs in regional areas across the University, starting immediately with the Middle East."

What People Are Saying

Harvard President Alan Garber accused the Trump administration of issuing "illegal demands," and said its move would have "stark real-life consequences for patients, students, faculty, staff, researchers, and the standing of American higher education in the world."

He added: "The government has cited the university's response to antisemitism as a justification for its unlawful action. As a Jew and as an American, I know very well that there are valid concerns about rising antisemitism.

"To address it effectively requires understanding, intention, and vigilance. Harvard takes that work seriously. We will continue to fight hate with the urgency it demands as we fully comply with our obligations under the law."

Kenneth L. Marcus, head of the Jewish nonprofit the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, told The New York Times: "This is by far the most sweeping and comprehensive approach we've seen to antisemitism in this country."

Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber wrote on LinkedIn: "Princeton stands with Harvard. I encourage everyone to read President Alan Garber's powerful letter in full."

What Happens Next

The clash is putting serious strain on the traditionally cooperative relationship between the federal government and universities that rely on federal funding to drive scientific research and innovation. Once viewed as a vital investment in the public good, that funding has now become a powerful tool of leverage for the Trump administration.