Harvard University is facing a severe anti-Semitism crisis, as the Trump administration demands immediate action to address alleged civil rights violations against Jewish students, or face financial ruin through a complete cut of federal funding. An investigation concluded that Harvard was a “willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment,” with campus leaders allowing the issue to grow.
This dire warning comes on the heels of Harvard already forfeiting over $2.6 billion in federal funding. That prior loss was a direct consequence of the university’s rejection of President Trump’s comprehensive demands for reforms in campus hiring, admissions, and governance. The current threat signals a heightened level of pressure from the administration.
President Trump’s broader critique of Harvard has also extended to its international student enrollment. He had previously suggested a cap of approximately 15% on foreign students, arguing that the university’s reported 31% international student body disadvantaged American applicants. This concern has been a recurring theme in the administration’s interactions with elite universities.
The dispute had previously culminated in a highly controversial move: the administration revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, prompting a lawsuit from Harvard alleging unconstitutional retaliation. Despite these deeply contentious moments, President Trump recently announced that negotiations with Harvard officials were proceeding positively, expressing optimism for a “mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC” settlement.