Trump Administration Intensifies Scrutiny of Harvard University

The Trump administration has initiated a series of actions targeting Harvard University, including a request for extensive records related to foreign funding and affiliations. This move is part of a broader effort by the administration to scrutinize top U.S. universities.

The administration's actions are viewed by many as a crackdown on universities, particularly in response to campus protests and other cultural issues. These issues include pro-Palestinian demonstrations, transgender rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The administration has threatened to withhold federal funding from institutions over these matters.

The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to Harvard's president, Alan Garber, requesting records dating back a decade. The letter claimed that Harvard had made "incomplete and inaccurate" disclosures between 2014 and 2019. The administration stated its intent to ensure Harvard is not influenced by foreign entities, although no evidence of such influence was provided.

Harvard responded by stating that it has consistently filed reports on foreign donations as required by law. The university's reports include information on gifts and contracts from foreign sources exceeding $250,000 annually. The administration's request also sought information on expelled foreign students, research conducted by those students, and a list of visiting researchers, students, and faculty affiliated with foreign governments.

In addition to the records request, the administration has taken several other steps against Harvard. These include a review of federal contracts and grants, calls for restrictions such as a mask ban and DEI removal, threats to revoke tax-exempt status, and demands for information on visa holders. Harvard has rejected many of the administration's demands, leading to a subsequent freeze on funding.

The administration's actions are particularly focused on campus protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza. The administration views the protesters as a threat and has accused them of antisemitism and sympathy for Hamas. Protesters, however, argue that their advocacy for Palestinian rights is being wrongly conflated with support for extremism. The administration is also attempting to deport some foreign protesters and has revoked numerous visas.