Trump targets Harvard: $100 million in federal contracts set for cancellation
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 27, 2025, 08.14 PM IST
The Trump administration is directing federal agencies to cancel contracts worth approximately $100 million with Harvard University, a senior administration official confirmed Tuesday, escalating a growing standoff with the Ivy League institution.
The move comes on top of more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants that have already been withdrawn from the university. The administration's latest action involves a draft letter from the General Services Administration (GSA), which instructs agencies to review existing agreements with Harvard and seek alternative vendors. A version of the letter was expected to be sent out Tuesday, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The New York Times first reported the existence of the letter.
President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Harvard, branding it a “hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism,” amid ongoing tensions over the university's governance and policies. On April 21, Harvard filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s push for sweeping changes in its leadership structure, admissions processes, and governance.
Since then, the administration has retaliated by slashing federal support, restricting international student enrollment, and threatening to revoke the school’s tax-exempt status.
A second administration official said about 30 contracts spanning nine federal agencies are under review for cancellation. These include services such as executive training programs for Department of Homeland Security personnel. While some contracts deemed critical may not be terminated immediately, agencies are being asked to prepare transition plans to shift services away from Harvard.
The new directive targets only federal contracts and does not affect the university’s remaining research grants.
The move comes on top of more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants that have already been withdrawn from the university. The administration's latest action involves a draft letter from the General Services Administration (GSA), which instructs agencies to review existing agreements with Harvard and seek alternative vendors. A version of the letter was expected to be sent out Tuesday, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The New York Times first reported the existence of the letter.
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Since then, the administration has retaliated by slashing federal support, restricting international student enrollment, and threatening to revoke the school’s tax-exempt status.
A second administration official said about 30 contracts spanning nine federal agencies are under review for cancellation. These include services such as executive training programs for Department of Homeland Security personnel. While some contracts deemed critical may not be terminated immediately, agencies are being asked to prepare transition plans to shift services away from Harvard.
The new directive targets only federal contracts and does not affect the university’s remaining research grants.