The Trump administration plans to cancel approximately $100 million in the remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, according to a draft letter obtained by The New York Times. The directive, issued by the General Services Administration (GSA), instructs agencies to review and terminate contracts that do not align with federal priorities and to avoid future partnerships with Harvard.
This is the latest move in a series of punitive actions targeting Harvard, including a $3 billion funding cut, threats to its tax-exempt status, and efforts to block international student enrolment. The GSA letter accuses Harvard of violating civil rights laws, citing racial discrimination in admissions, mishandling of campus antisemitism, and safety concerns. It references the University's declining Black enrolment post–Supreme Court affirmative action ruling and criticises a Harvard Law Review fellowship awarded to a student involved in a 2023 protest.
Harvard has launched two lawsuits challenging earlier federal actions, with hearings scheduled for this summer. The move underscores growing tensions between the federal government and elite universities under Trump’s administration.
GSA orders agencies to review and terminate contracts
The draft letter instructs federal agencies to review all active agreements with Harvard and terminate any contracts that do not efficiently promote the priorities of the federal government. It also advises agencies to avoid future partnerships with Harvard.
Federal contracts affected by this directive span at least nine agencies, with some contracts already under stop work orders. Agencies are required to report any intended contract terminations by June 6. While temporary extensions on “critical” contracts are permitted, they must be justified and accompanied by a plan to transition work to alternate vendors.
President Donald Trump publicly threatened further funding withdrawals in a Truth Social post, expressing intent to reallocate grant money from Harvard to trade schools across the country.
Impact on student research and academic programs
The cancellation of federal contracts could severely disrupt student research, training, and academic programs at Harvard. Federal funding supports a wide array of projects spanning scientific research, public health, technology development, and environmental studies. Many students depend on these contracts for research assistantships, stipends, and access to labs and resources essential for their theses and dissertations.
The potential loss of funding threatens ongoing experiments, delays degree completion for some students, and limits opportunities for scholarly advancement. The transition of contracts to alternative vendors may also complicate collaborations and reduce Harvard’s capacity to offer federally backed research experiences.
Uncertainty for international students
The Trump administration’s actions also raise significant concerns about the future of international students at Harvard. Efforts to restrict Harvard’s ability to enrol international scholars have been challenged legally, with a federal judge temporarily blocking the Department of Homeland Security’s order.
International students who rely on federally funded research positions and campus jobs face increasing uncertainty about their academic and visa status. The intertwined federal efforts to limit funding and international enrolment amplify these challenges, casting doubt on Harvard’s global academic community and its ability to attract and retain diverse talent.
How students are affected
For Harvard students, the consequences of these federal actions are immediate and wide-ranging. Many undergraduates and graduate students involved in federally funded research projects may lose critical funding, access to labs, and mentorship opportunities. Research delays could impede graduation timelines and impact future career paths.
Financially, the termination of contracts risks eliminating work-study jobs and stipends tied to federal grants, disproportionately affecting students from low-income backgrounds. International students face compounded difficulties due to visa uncertainties alongside the loss of research funding.
The mounting federal pressure highlights a growing intersection between politics and education, leaving students to navigate disruptions not only to their academic work but also to their overall university experience and future prospects.
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