A federal court has handed Harvard University a decisive legal victory, overturning the Trump administration’s freeze on more than $2.6 billion in research grants. In a ruling issued by Judge Allison D. Burroughs of the U.S. District Court, the court found that the administration’s actions were unconstitutional, retaliatory, and in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Judge Burroughs annulled the freeze orders and related termination notices, while also issuing a permanent injunction to prevent the government from imposing unlawful conditions on Harvard’s federal funding. She sharply criticised the administration’s justification, describing antisemitism claims as “a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this country’s premier universities.”
The dispute originated in March, when the administration tied multiyear federal grants to demands for changes in Harvard’s governance, hiring, and disciplinary practices. Harvard’s refusal to comply led to the freeze of $2.2 billion in grants, later expanded to more than $2.6 billion.
In her decision, Burroughs called the government’s actions “arbitrary and capricious,” noting that no evidence of antisemitism at Harvard had been presented before the freeze and that the report cited as justification was published after the freeze had already taken effect.
The White House swiftly condemned the ruling, with spokesperson Liz Huston pledging an immediate appeal. Former President Donald Trump also vowed to contest the decision, signaling a prolonged legal battle ahead.
Harvard President Alan M. Garber welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that it affirms constitutional protections, safeguards academic freedom, and defends critical scientific research.
At the same time, Judge Burroughs cautioned Harvard to strengthen its response to antisemitism, noting the institution “could (and should) have done a better job of dealing with the issue.” She further warned that suppressing speech under the guise of combating antisemitism could set a dangerous precedent.
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