Harvard defeats Trump administration in case over illegal funding suspension
Illustrative photo: Harvard (Getty Images)
A court has ordered the restoration of more than $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard University that had been frozen by the White House, according to CNN.
A federal judge sided with the prestigious university in its attempt to restore more than $2 billion in federal research funding that had been frozen by the White House.
US district judge Allison Burroughs rejected the administration’s arguments that the university had become a target because of efforts to combat antisemitism on campus.
White House press secretary Liz Gaston told CNN that the Trump administration will "immediately appeal" today’s ruling.
She said that for any impartial observer it is clear that Harvard University failed to protect its students from harassment and "allowed discrimination to plague their campus for years."
"Harvard does not have a constitutional right to taxpayer dollars and remains ineligible for grants in the future," Gaston said.
White House pressure on Harvard
In the spring, US president Donald Trump criticized Harvard University’s policies, accusing the institution of employing "radical left idiots" who "can only teach defeat."
Harvard University announced a temporary hiring freeze, citing "financial uncertainty caused by federal policy changes."
In May, the Trump administration banned the university from admitting foreign students.
At the beginning of August, the White House threatened to revoke Harvard University’s patents over alleged violations of the federal research grants law. The institution has until September 5 to provide an explanation.
