Trump admin moves to block Harvard from billions in federal research grants

The Trump administration on Monday said it has started a new process to block Harvard University’s eligibility for federal grant money and its ability to enter into new federal contracts — yet another salvo from Trump officials as they continue to target the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university. 

The Department of Health and Human Services notified Harvard President Alan Garber in a letter Monday that it has initiated the debarment process for the university — a move that would render the school ineligible to receive federal grant money or enter into new federal contracts.

HHS officials cited allegations of antisemitism brought against the university and what Trump officials argued is the school’s failure to comply with recommendations from a federal antisemitism task force earlier this year.

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The familiar refrain has been at the center of a monthslong legal fight between Trump officials and Harvard lawyers, who sparred over efforts to comply with recommendations from a federal task force earlier this year.

Trump officials have argued the school has not done enough to comply with the task force recommendations; Harvard has countered that the effort amounts to an unconstitutional “pressure campaign” from the administration to influence and exert control over its academic programs.

It’s unclear how long the debarment process will take, and these efforts are often preceded by a shorter-term period of suspension, according to data from HHS’s Office for Civil Rights.

Still, if successful, the effort could threaten billions of dollars in funding for Harvard at an already vulnerable time for the university. 

The debarment process, if successful, could eventually “blacklist” Harvard from doing business with the government in any capacity — including blocking its ability to accept billions in federal research funds and to sign new contracts with federal agencies.

CONTINUED COURT FIGHTS COULD PUT HARVARD IN UNWINNABLE POSITION VS TRUMP

Graduates celebrate during Harvard University’s 374th commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025.  (Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Harvard’s lawyers have reportedly struggled to negotiate with the Trump…