The administration's decision was communicated through a memo issued by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which instructed federal agencies to identify and cancel contracts with Harvard. Agencies have been given until June 6 to report on any agreements that can be terminated, with a directive to seek alternative vendors for future services. The memo underscores the government's belief that Harvard's handling of antisemitism on campus and its race-based admissions practices fall short of federal standards. "Each agency should consider whether Harvard and its services effectively promote its priorities," the memo stated.
This latest action builds upon an ongoing conflict between the White House and the university. Earlier this month, President Trump accused Harvard of defying a Supreme Court ruling that banned the consideration of race in admissions. His administration has also criticized the university's response to incidents of harassment against Jewish students. These criticisms came in the wake of demands from the Trump administration's Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which sought to audit Harvard's admissions and hiring practices. Harvard's refusal to comply with these demands led to the suspension of $2 billion in federal research funding.
The university's relationship with the Trump administration has further soured due to the recent controversies surrounding foreign students. Harvard, which hosts thousands of international students, was caught in the crossfire of an executive order aimed at reducing the number of foreign students. Although a federal judge temporarily blocked this action last week, it remains part of the administration's broader strategy to push back against what it views as the unchecked liberal influence of Ivy League schools.
Harvard has yet to publicly respond to the latest directive, but the university has previously defended its practices, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and academic freedom. The administration's latest decision affects a variety of contracts with federal agencies, including research initiatives with the National Institutes of Health and training programs with the Department of Homeland Security.
