Judge Calls Defense of Trump's $2.5b Harvard Fund Freeze 'Mind-Boggling'

She Pushes Back Against Govt Citing Anti-Semitism as Justification for Move

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BOSTON, Massachusetts — A federal judge in Boston cast doubt on the legality of the Trump administration's termination of more than US$2 billion (S$2.5 billion) in federal research funding for Harvard University over alleged institutional failures, including anti-Semitism on campus.

In a hearing on July 21, US Judge Allison Burroughs raised questions about the constitutionality of the government's decision to slash the funding and called some of their arguments in defense of the move "mind-boggling." She pushed back in particular on the administration's claims that the funding cuts were justified by Harvard's failure to tackle anti-Semitism.

"There are limits to what you can terminate, and why, and how," Judge Burroughs said to Justice Department lawyer Michael Velchik during the hearing. "It seems to be your idea that you can terminate a contract even if the basis for termination is a constitutional violation."

President Donald Trump has made Harvard the main target of his effort to force universities to reshape higher education by cracking down on alleged anti-Semitism, removing perceived political bias among the faculty and eliminating diversity programs. Harvard's lawsuit alleges that Mr. Trump's move violates the First Amendment right to free speech.