Massive Setback for Trump: US Court Restores $2.6 Billion Harvard Research Funding, Calls Govt Decision Illegal
New York (The Uttam Hindu): In a major setback for former US President Donald Trump, a US court has struck down his administration’s decision to block $2.6 billion (₹21,000 crore) in research funding to Harvard University.
The Trump government had halted the funding earlier this year after accusing Harvard of refusing to comply with several demands, including ending student protests, altering its admission process, and rolling back certain liberal policies. The administration further alleged that anti-Semitic activities were taking place on campus and that the university was promoting “too much liberal ideology.”
Harvard strongly denied the allegations and refused to bow to the administration’s conditions. In April, the Trump administration officially blocked the funding, declaring that Harvard would no longer be eligible for federal research support.
However, in its latest ruling, the court declared the move “unlawful and without valid justification.” The judgment emphasized that the government cannot pressure universities into changing their policies by using funding as leverage.
Reacting to the verdict, Harvard’s president stated: “We stand firmly against anti-Semitism, but the government has no right to dictate what we teach or whom we admit. This ruling is a victory for both academic freedom and the rule of law.”
Meanwhile, the White House spokesperson criticized the decision and confirmed that the government would appeal the ruling. For now, the court’s decision has reinstated Harvard’s right to continue receiving federal research funding, reaffirming the principle that political agendas cannot dictate academic independence.