Trump administration targets Harvard in antisemitism probe, raising First Amendment concerns

In its continued escalation of federal oversight into campus speech, the Trump administration announced a full review of federal contracts and grants at Harvard University, citing concerns over alleged antisemitic harassment and ideological bias. The move—led by the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and General Services Administration—will examine more than $255 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in long-term grants, as detailed in a press release published 31 March 2025.

The review follows a similar probe into Columbia University, which resulted in a negotiated return of federal funding after the institution agreed to comply with new terms. Now, Harvard must submit a full list of contracts not already reviewed, with stop work orders potentially on the table. According to HHS Acting General Counsel Sean Keveney, “The task force will continue its efforts to root out antisemitism and refocus our institutions of higher learning.”

Critics argue the campaign risks infringing on the academic independence and speech rights of universities. Legal scholars warn that the administration’s approach could violate constitutional protections should political speech becomes the basis for cutting off federal funding.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon called Harvard’s current environment one that “promotes divisive ideologies over free inquiry.” While no specific incidents were cited in the release, ongoing campus protests over the Israel-Gaza conflict have drawn national attention and federal scrutiny.

Civil liberties groups and faculty advocates have raised alarms about what they see as political encroachment. “This is about more than Harvard,” said one former ED official.