Trump Moves to Cancel All Harvard Federal Contracts

University President Calls Move 'Perplexing' and Says It Will Not Help the Country

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WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump's administration is moving to cancel all remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, worth an estimated US$100 million (S$128 million), in the latest escalation of its battle against the Ivy League institution.

Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum, in a letter seen by Bloomberg News, is directing federal agencies to review their contracts, terminate those that they deem not critical and transition to other vendors if necessary.

"The US General Services Administration is assisting all federal agencies in a review for termination or transition of their federal government contracts with Harvard University and affiliates," the letter says. "This review aligns with the administration's directive that all federal contracted services steadfastly uphold and advance agency strategic priorities."

The letter asks agencies to report on their "actions or intended actions with respect to each referenced contract" by June 6.

The value of the contracts was detailed by a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The letter was first reported by The New York Times.

Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.