Donald Trump admin makes humiliating u-turn in Harvard battle that gives university big victory

Harvard President Alan Garber firmly rejected the demands.

PUBLISHED 4 DAYS AGO

The administration has already frozen billions in funding to the university.

Washington D.C.: In a stunning twist in the Donald Trump vs Harvard University saga, the Trump administration is now stating that the 'demand letter' it sent to the university was 'unauthorized'. The letter, which was sent on April 11, demanded the university carry out curriculum reforms, end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, and overhaul the admissions process. The New York Times using sources "familiar with the matter".

In total, Harvard typically receives over $600 million to $1 billion annually from the federal government.

Harvard President Alan Garber firmly rejected the demands, stating the university "will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights". The Trump administration appears divided over the letter’s handling, with some officials claiming it was sent prematurely and others insisting it was never meant to be sent at all. A White House official confirmed the letter’s authenticity to CNN, asserting that the administration "stands by the letter", but did not clarify whether its delivery was a mistake.

Harvard has faced increasing federal pressure. The administration has already frozen billions in funding to the university, and recent actions — such as threatening Harvard’s tax-exempt status and foreign student enrollment — suggest a hardening stance. A Harvard spokesperson noted the letter bore official signatures and was sent as promised, adding, "Actions speak louder than words".

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The demands, tied to combating antisemitism amid campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war, included banning masks at demonstrations and reducing faculty influence deemed overly activist. Harvard argues these measures overreach federal authority, targeting academic freedom rather than addressing discrimination.

After Harvard’s refusal, Josh Gruenbaum, a top official who signed the letter, reportedly told Harvard lawyers it was unauthorized—only to later claim it was always intended for delivery. The White House maintains it is open to negotiations but insists Harvard must enact "serious changes".

Harvard added: "Even if the letter was a mistake, the government’s actions have real-life consequences."