The Trump administration is preparing to terminate all remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, totaling around $100 million. This move represents the latest action taken by the White House against the Ivy League institution.
According to a letter obtained by the English Epoch Times (EET), Josh Gruenbaum, the director of the Federal Acquisition Service, instructed federal agencies to review contracts with Harvard and terminate those deemed “non-essential,” with alternative vendors taking over if necessary.
“As you are aware, entering into contracts with the federal government is not just a contractual obligation, but also a significant responsibility to taxpayer funds,” the letter stated. “As stewards of taxpayer funds, the government has a duty to ensure that procurement funds flow to suppliers and contractors that promote non-discrimination principles and national interests.”
The letter emphasized that the General Services Administration (GSA) is assisting all federal agencies in reviewing contracts with Harvard University and its affiliated entities to determine whether to terminate or transfer them. All contracts should “firmly support and advance the strategic priorities of each agency.”
Agencies are required to report on the disposition of each contract by June 6th. Sources indicate that the total value of these contracts is approximately $100 million. Harvard has not yet responded to these developments.
The Trump administration has already frozen over $2.6 billion in federal funds provided to Harvard and temporarily suspended its eligibility to enroll international students, stating that the university cannot apply for new allocations. The White House has accused Harvard of failing to effectively combat anti-Semitic sentiment and is using this pressure to drive reform in its campus policies.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pointed out last week that Harvard has not cooperated in providing irregular data on foreign students. The government requested the institution to submit six categories of information from the past five years, including disciplinary records and protest images, within 72 hours, but has not received a response to date.
The White House also criticized Harvard for ongoing involvement in racial discrimination in admissions and student life, demanding reforms to governance structures, admissions, and faculty appointment processes, as well as halting the admission of international students deemed to be “hostile to American values.” It also criticized schools such as Harvard for being “excessively inclined toward liberal views” and emphasized the need to safeguard diverse perspectives and balance of speech.
Harvard University President Alan Garber responded last month by stating, “The university will not relinquish its independence, nor will it give up its rights protected by the Constitution.”
Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in April challenging the decision to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funds, with the government subsequently freezing an additional $450 million.
Last week, the Trump administration further revoked Harvard’s eligibility to enroll international students, but this action was temporarily suspended by a federal judge, and the case is still under review. Harvard accuses the government of retaliatory action for refusing political pressure. Trump has repeatedly warned this week that he is considering withdrawing $3 billion in federal subsidies from Harvard and reallocating the funds to technical schools across the country.
In a social media post, he stated, “I am considering reallocating $3 billion from the very anti-Semitic Harvard to technical schools across the nation. This would be a fantastic investment for America and is very necessary!”
Previously, Trump had also mentioned considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status.