The series of threats — and subsequent pauses in funding — to some of the top U.S. universities have become an unprecedented tool for the administration to exert influence on college campuses.
Harvard University has joined a growing list of institutions facing federal funding freezes as the Trump administration enforces political compliance across higher education. Six of the seven affected schools are Ivy League institutions.
During his campaign, President Donald Trump pledged to cut funds to institutions promoting “critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content.” Public school systems are also under review.
Harvard University
On March 31, the administration’s antisemitism task force launched a “comprehensive review” of Harvard, targeting nearly $9 billion in grants and contracts. An April 3 letter demanded bans on face masks, limits on protests, and department reviews. A week later, demands expanded to include leadership changes and revoking recognition of student groups. President Alan Gerber responded, “we will not surrender our independence or relinquish our constitutional rights.” Hours later, $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts were frozen.
Cornell University
Last week, the administration froze over $1 billion in federal funding. The move followed allegations of civil rights violations. Cornell confirmed 75 stop-work orders but said the total amount was unclear.
Northwestern University
Northwestern lost approximately $790 million in federal support. The school said it received no official notice. Spokesperson Jon Yates said scientific research was “at jeopardy” due to halted NIH funding.
Brown University
The Rhode Island university is expected to lose about $510 million in funding over its response to antisemitism allegations, according to a White House official.
Princeton University
Dozens of federal research grants were suspended. President Christopher Eisgruber, who previously criticized the cuts, called the action a “radical threat to scholarly excellence.”
University of Pennsylvania
Funding was halted after a transgender athlete competed in Penn’s swimming program. Following Trump’s Feb. 5 executive order, $175 million from the Defense and Health departments was suspended. Penn said it was not directly notified.
Columbia University
Columbia was the first major target, with $400 million in federal support canceled on March 7. Protests over Gaza led to arrests and scrutiny from Republicans. The university agreed to reforms, including banning face masks and placing the Middle East studies department under supervision. Acting President Claire Shipman later said Columbia would reject “heavy-handed orchestration” that would compromise its autonomy.
