Attorneys for Harvard asked a federal judge Monday to prevent the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from the school. Hofstra University law professor James Sample explains.

Attorneys for Harvard University appeared in federal court this week, challenging $2.6 billion in funding cuts by the Trump administration. The cuts followed Harvard's rejection of demands from a federal antisemitism task force.

Lawyers for Harvard and the Trump administration pressed their cases in a Boston courtroom over the government's move to cut nearly $3 billion in federal aid to the university.

Harvard University urged a federal judge on Monday to order President Donald Trump's administration to restore about $2.5 billion in funding.

President Donald Trump’s attacks on higher education have hurt colleges across the country, but they may also weaken the U.S.’ ability to compete with its geopolitical rival China, some lawmakers say.

Harvard University is undergoing major restructuring under new President Alan Garber, amid political pressure from Donald Trump and internal dissent. Following Claudine Gay’s resignation, Garber faces federal scrutiny over alleged antisemitism and liberal bias.

Harvard paid lobbying firm Ballard Partners $90,000 in the second quarter of 2025 as the University broadened its federal advocacy to include direct engagement with the White House, according to a disclosure filed Tuesday.