Donald Trump Hits Back at Harvard Funding Cut Block

Source: Newsweek

Published Dec 19, 2025 at 07:13 AM EST updated Dec 19, 2025 at 07:14 AM EST


The Department of Justice appealed a ruling blocking the Trump Administration from cutting off billions of dollars to Harvard University late on Thursday. The appeal was submitted to the Court of Appeals in a bid to overturn a September ruling by U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs that blocked the administration's move to cut funding to the Ivy League university.

It was filed just before the Justice Department’s deadline to challenge the ruling and covers both Harvard’s lawsuit to restore frozen research funding and a related case brought by the American Association of University Professors and other groups. Newsweek contacted the DOJ, Harvard and AAUP for comment via email outside of normal office hours on Friday.

Why It Matters

The dispute goes beyond a simple fight between Harvard University and the Trump administration, touching on how much power the federal government can wield over higher education.

At stake are billions of dollars in research funding, the stability of scientific projects that rely on federal support, and whether universities can be pressured to change admissions, hiring, or academic programs as a condition of receiving public money.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-hits-back-at-harvard-funding-cut-block-11241925