logo
Harvard vs Trump: University urges court to reinstate $2.5 billion in research grants cut by Trump Administration

Harvard vs Trump: University urges court to reinstate $2.5 billion in research grants cut by Trump Administration

Mint3 days ago
Harvard University will urge a federal judge on Monday (July 21) to restore nearly $2.5 billion in canceled federal research grants and halt further efforts by the Trump administration to cut off funding. The hearing before US District Judge Allison Burroughs marks a pivotal moment in a mounting legal clash between the world-renowned university and the White House.
Harvard, the country's oldest university, says hundreds of critical research projects — from cancer treatments to infectious disease control — are now at risk.
'This case involves the Government's efforts to use the withholding of federal funding as leverage to gain control of academic decisionmaking at Harvard,' the university stated in its lawsuit. 'All told, the tradeoff put to Harvard and other universities is clear: Allow the Government to micromanage your academic institution or jeopardize the institution's ability to pursue medical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, and innovative solutions.'
The Trump administration argues the funding cuts are justified and not retaliatory.
'The Trump administration's proposition is simple and commonsense,' said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields. 'Don't allow antisemitism and DEI to run your campus, don't break the law, and protect the civil liberties of all students.'
According to Fields, Harvard failed to comply with demands from a federal antisemitism task force in an April 11 letter that called for sweeping changes in governance, hiring, admissions, and academic programming.
Harvard says it has taken meaningful steps to support Jewish and Israeli students, who faced what President Alan Garber called 'vicious and reprehensible' treatment following the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. However, the school contends that the administration's demands extended well beyond concerns about antisemitism.
The administration's efforts go far beyond addressing campus safety, Garber said, adding they are an unlawful attempt to regulate the intellectual conditions at Harvard by controlling who we hire and what we teach.
Judge Burroughs is being asked to declare the grant cancellations unlawful. The Trump administration, however, argues that Burroughs lacks jurisdiction to hear the case, asserting that grant contracts can be revoked if projects don't align with federal policy.
In response, Harvard emphasised the human and national costs: 'The government fails to explain how the termination of funding for research to treat cancer, support veterans, and improve national security addresses antisemitism,' the university said in court filings.
Research funding is just one front in a broader effort by the Trump administration to pressure the university. The administration has:
Garber warned that the cumulative financial impact could strip Harvard of nearly $1 billion annually, leading to layoffs and a hiring freeze.
A second lawsuit filed by the American Association of University Professors and its Harvard faculty chapter has been consolidated with the university's suit, amplifying the legal and academic implications.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump mourns ‘great friend' Hulk Hogan, reflects on their bond
Trump mourns ‘great friend' Hulk Hogan, reflects on their bond

India Today

time23 minutes ago

  • India Today

Trump mourns ‘great friend' Hulk Hogan, reflects on their bond

US President Donald Trump mourned the loss of his 'great friend' Hulk Hogan, following the WWE legend's death Thursday morning at age 71. In a social media post, Trump said, "Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive.'Hogan, the iconic WWE Hall of Famer and one of professional wrestling's most recognizable figures, died at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The US President also praised Hogan's spirited appearance at the 2024 RNC and called the wrestling legend 'MAGA all the way.'advertisementAccording to TMZ Sports, emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan's residence early Thursday following a report of cardiac arrest. Despite efforts from medical professionals, the wrestling legend could not be revived. As tributes continue to pour in from around the globe, Hogan's influence remains undeniable — a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark on professional wrestling, pop culture, and American REACTIONThe wrestling world is in mourning following Hogan's passing. WWE issued a statement expressing deep sorrow:"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans."Hogan, born Terry Bollea, rose to superstardom in the 1980s and became the face of WWE (then WWF), ushering in the era of WrestleMania and helping to bring professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment. His charisma, signature "Hulkamania" persona, and unmatched connection with fans cemented his legacy in sports entertainment RelationshipHogan's influence extended beyond the wrestling ring. About a year ago, he appeared at the 2024 Republican National Convention and delivered an impassioned speech in support of former President Donald Trump."At the end of the day, with our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator, we're going to bring America back together one real American at a time, brother," Hogan said as Trump looked on from the Hogan didn't formally endorse Trump until the convention, he cited the assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as a defining moment that solidified his Trump has long shared close ties with WWE, particularly with former CEO Vince McMahon, his relationship with Hogan was described as more casual but nonetheless significant.- EndsTune InMust Watch

Hamas shows no desire for ceasefire, says Witkoff as US, Israel exit peace talks
Hamas shows no desire for ceasefire, says Witkoff as US, Israel exit peace talks

India Today

time23 minutes ago

  • India Today

Hamas shows no desire for ceasefire, says Witkoff as US, Israel exit peace talks

The United States and Israel have recalled their delegation teams out of ceasefire talks in Qatar after disappointing response from Hamas. US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced the decision on Thursday, saying the latest proposal from Hamas showed "a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.""We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith," Witkoff will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza," he added. The talks, hosted in Qatar, aimed at ending the months-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But progress has been slow, and Thursday's development marks another major BREAKTHROUGH DESPITE WEEKS OF NEGOTIATIONSFor weeks, US, Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian officials had been holding discussions in order to establish a temporary ceasefire and hostage the proposed agreement, Hamas would release 10 Israeli hostages and return the 18 dead bodies in separate phases. In exchange, Israel would release some Palestinian prisoners. The deal would also include a 60-day ceasefire, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and follow-up talks on a permanent both sides failed to reach agreement on certain terms. Hamas has been insisting on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a complete end to the war before releasing all hostages. Meanwhile, Israel refuses to end the conflict unless Hamas gives up its weapons and control over Gaza — a demand Hamas stalled talks come at a time when conditions in Gaza are worsening. On Sunday, at least 85 Palestinians were reportedly killed while trying to get food — making it the deadliest day for food aid-seekers since the war began nearly two years RECALLS ISRAELI TEAMShortly before the US announced its withdrawal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it was recalling its delegation from the talks as a short statement, his office said, "We appreciate the efforts of Steve Witkoff and mediators Qatar and Egypt." However, no further explanation was given about Hamas's Trump has been pushing hard for a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, hoping to present himself as a global peacemaker. He even hosted Netanyahu at the White House earlier this month to support the talks and show strong backing for their show of unity -- including joint military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites -- the Israeli leader left Washington without any agreement in hand.- EndsMust Watch

White House slams ‘South Park' episode featuring nude Trump in bed with Satan
White House slams ‘South Park' episode featuring nude Trump in bed with Satan

India Today

time23 minutes ago

  • India Today

White House slams ‘South Park' episode featuring nude Trump in bed with Satan

South Park kicked off its 27th season with a wild parody of President Donald Trump — complete with deepfakes, Satan, and cartoon nudity. The White House hit back, calling the show "uninspired," "irrelevant," and desperate for attention."The Left's hypocrisy truly has no end," Trump White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Rolling Stone, referencing liberal praise for the premiere despite past criticism of the show's offensive content. "Just like the creators of South Park, the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows."advertisement"This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention," Rogers continued. "President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history – and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak," he premiere episode -- titled Cancel the Messiah -- depicted Trump suing citizens for speaking out against him. It culminated in a surreal moment where Jesus Christ descends to warn the town of South Park that they'll be "canceled" if they keep protesting the president, citing the recent 60 Minutes settlement as evidence of Trump's Park is a long-running animated comedy series created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Known for its crude humour and sharp satire, it often portrays controversial political and cultural topics. But the part that has the internet on fire? A late-night bedroom scene in which an animated Trump -- voiced through deepfake-enhanced audio -- climbs into bed with Satan and begs for sex. "Come on, Satan, I've been working hard all day," Trump says, before the devil rebuffs him and mocks his anatomy. The bit ends with the president revealing a cartoonishly tiny penis, a gag repeated in a fake campaign-style PSA aired during the South Park targets President Trump over the Epstein files in their new episode, puts him in bed with episode comes as South Park has just reportedly agreed to a 5 year, 50 episode, $1.5 billion deal with Paramount.'The Epstein list? Are we still talking Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 24, 2025SOUTH PARK TAKES JAB AT EPSTEIN LISTIn the episode, South Park references the so-called "Epstein list" — a rumoured list of individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network. In one scene, Satan confronts Trump in bed: "Another random girl commented on my Instagram that you're on the Epstein list."Trump responds, "The Epstein list? Are we still talking about that?"Satan presses him, "Well, are you on the list or not? It's weird that whenever it comes up, you just tell everyone to relax.""I'm not telling everyone to relax," Trump the episode, South Park creators launched a website to host the deepfake PSA, in which a wandering, animated Trump strips naked in the desert to the narration: "Trump. His p***s is teeny-tiny, but his love for us is large."- EndsMust Watch

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store