Harvard University’s federal gravy train just hit a brick wall. The Trump administration is poised to terminate all remaining federal contracts with the Ivy League giant, valued at roughly $100 million, citing its failure to address antisemitism and discriminatory practices, as the New York Post reports. This bold move signals a reckoning for elite institutions dodging accountability.
The administration’s crackdown follows a freeze on $3.2 billion in Harvard contracts, with fresh orders to sever ties and find new vendors. A Tuesday memo from the U.S. General Services Administration demands that agencies report terminated contracts by June 6. Harvard’s alleged inaction on antisemitism and racial bias in admissions sparked the drastic action.
Earlier this month, the administration flagged Harvard for four violations: antisemitism, racial discrimination, declining academic rigor, and stifled viewpoint diversity. A stern letter to Harvard President Alan Garber demanded reforms, including merit-based hiring and admissions, stronger whistleblower protections, and scrapping diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. No compliance, no cash -- simple as that.
The Tuesday memo urges agencies to ditch Harvard for alternative vendors. If Harvard is deemed the only option, agencies must justify keeping it on the government’s books. “Each agency should consider its contracts with Harvard University,” the memo states, hinting at a broader push for accountability.
The memo emphasizes that taxpayer dollars should flow to vendors upholding nondiscrimination and national interests. “As fiduciaries to the taxpayer, the government has a duty,” it declares, framing Harvard as a liability. Actions have consequences, and Harvard’s facing them head-on.
Harvard’s current contracts include a $49,858 National Institutes of Health deal for coffee consumption research and a $25,800 Homeland Security contract for executive training. Nine federal agencies are affected, though specifics remain undisclosed. The administration’s resolve suggests no agency is spared scrutiny.
Harvard’s endowment, a hefty $53.2 billion, now faces new threats. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent floated the idea of revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, which could hammer its finances. House Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could spike endowment taxes to 21%, costing Harvard $850 million annually.
Last week, a U.S. judge temporarily blocked the administration from barring Harvard’s foreign student enrollment. With 6,800 international students -- 27% of its enrollment -- Harvard’s tuition revenue hangs in the balance. The administration’s push to deport thousands of these students adds fuel to the fire.
President Trump didn’t mince words on Truth Social, demanding a list of Harvard’s visa-backed students. He called out “radicalized lunatics” and “troublemakers,” signaling a hardline stance. Harvard’s refusal to comply only deepens the standoff.
Harvard President Alan Garber told NPR, “We need to be firm in our commitments.” Sounds noble, but it sidesteps the administration’s demands for tangible reform. Garber’s talk of “serving our nation” rings hollow when antisemitism and bias allegations pile up.
Garber claimed Harvard’s leaders “fully embrace” the national good. Yet the administration’s detailed demands -- merit-based systems, viewpoint diversity, and a crackdown on antisemitism -- suggest that Harvard has been coasting on rhetoric. Talk is cheap; results matter.
The administration pushed Harvard to negotiate and prove compliance. So far, Harvard’s response seems more about deflecting than delivering. Meanwhile, Columbia University bent to similar demands last month to save $400 million in funding.
Harvard is not alone in facing the heat. The administration’s memo signals a broader push to hold other elite institutions accountable as well. “Ensure the safeguarding of taxpayer money,” it demands, putting other universities on notice.
The move reflects a growing frustration with academia’s progressive drift. When institutions prioritize ideology over merit, they risk losing public trust and funds. Harvard’s predicament is a wake-up call for ivory towers everywhere.
Turns out, actions do have consequences. Harvard has been warned, and the clock is ticking. Will it reform, or will it double down on defiance?
