The Trump administration is playing a “strong hand” against Harvard University, threatening to cut all federal funding after concluding an investigation found civil rights of Jewish students were violated due to alleged anti-Semitism. The administration’s findings assert that Harvard was a “willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment.”

This severe threat follows a period where Harvard had already faced significant financial repercussions, having lost over $2.6 billion in federal funding. This previous loss was a direct result of the university’s rejection of President Trump’s comprehensive demands for reforms in campus hiring, admissions, and governance. The current threat underscores the administration’s unwavering stance and willingness to exert pressure.

Beyond the anti-Semitism probe, President Trump had previously expressed strong views on Harvard’s international student enrollment. He advocated for a cap of approximately 15% on foreign students, asserting that Harvard’s current 31% enrollment disproportionately affected American students seeking admission to elite universities. This was another point of friction between the administration and the university.

The conflict escalated dramatically when the administration revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, prompting the university to file a lawsuit challenging the ban as unconstitutional retaliation. Despite these contentious moments, President Trump recently indicated a potential resolution, announcing ongoing talks with Harvard officials and hinting at a “mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC” settlement.