Harvard Secures Major Victory as Federal Judge Rules Trump Admin Funding Freeze Unconstitutional
Harvard Secures Major Victory as Federal Judge Rules Trump Admin Funding Freeze Unconstitutional
A federal judge has delivered a significant legal victory to Harvard University, ruling that the Trump administration acted unconstitutionally by freezing over $2.6 billion in research funding. The decision, handed down by United States District Judge Allison D. Burroughs, strikes down the freeze in its entirety, finding it to be retaliation for protected speech.
Judge Burroughs granted Harvard a summary judgment on core constitutional grounds, determining that the administration’s freeze orders were a direct response to the university’s rejection of sweeping demands made in April. She also concluded that the government failed to comply with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which mandates proper notice, investigation, and an opportunity to respond before terminating federal financial assistance.
In a strongly worded order, Burroughs stated, “A review of the administrative record makes it difficult to conclude anything other than that Defendants used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this country’s premier universities.” The ruling vacates both the freeze orders and termination notices, also issuing a permanent injunction to prevent the Trump administration from reimposing unconstitutional conditions on Harvard’s funding.
The White House, through spokesperson Liz Huston, condemned the decision and confirmed immediate plans to appeal. Huston alleged that Judge Burroughs, an Obama appointee, ruled without fully considering the facts, setting the stage for a potentially protracted legal battle.
Harvard University President Alan M. Garber ’76 lauded the court’s decision as a defense of higher education’s core principles. In an email to affiliates, Garber stated the ruling “affirms our First Amendment and procedural rights, upholds the principles of academic freedom, and validates our arguments in defense of critical scientific research and the core values of American higher education.”
The standoff began in late March when federal agencies attempted to condition billions in multiyear grant commitments on Harvard meeting certain preconditions. When Harvard rejected these, citing First Amendment violations, the administration responded by cutting billions in federal funding. While the ruling restores the frozen funds, President Garber acknowledged ongoing uncertainty and pledged to monitor further legal developments.
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