Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Trump administration is doubling down on its decision to revoke Harvard University’s federal grants unless it agrees to government compliance demands, the latest amid weeks-long dispute.
In a three-page letter posted on X Monday, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon alleged that the Ivy-League college “failed to abide by its legal obligations, its ethical and fiduciary duties, its transparency responsibilities, and any semblance of academic rigor.”
She added that Harvard is “a mockery of this country’s higher education system,” listing an extensive history of scandals that the school had been embroiled in.
This move comes after Harvard sued the administration in April over freezing nearly $2.2 billion in grants when the school refused to comply by a list of government demands, which included admission audits, ending DEI programs, and more student disciplinary reforms.
Read more: President Trump Vows To Remove Harvard University's Tax-Exempt Status
McMahon added that Harvard should no longer apply or seek federal grants as “none will be provided.”
In a statement to WBZ NewsRadio, a Harvard spokesperson called McMahon’s threats “chilling” and would impose “unprecedented” impacts on lifesaving research and innovations.
Furthermore, the university vowed to continue defending its rights. “Harvard will also continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure.”
Last week, President Trump further fueled the fight and called to remove Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
Meanwhile, a federal court judge has set the hearing for Harvard’s lawsuit against the Trump administration on July 21.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports