Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Trump Administration Appeals Harvard Funding Ruling
The Trump administration is trying to take back $2 billion that was given to Harvard University for research.
A judge said the government did something wrong by taking the money away, so the money was given back to Harvard.
But the Trump administration doesn't agree with the judge and is asking a higher court to look at the decision.
Harvard says the money is important for science, medicine, and keeping the country safe.
The Trump administration wanted Harvard to change some of its rules, but Harvard didn't agree.
The Trump administration appealed a judge's decision to restore $2 billion in research funding to Harvard.
The funding was frozen in April after Harvard refused to comply with federal demands.
Judge Allison Burroughs ruled the freeze violated Harvard's free-speech and due-process rights.
Harvard released a statement emphasizing the importance of the funding for research and national security.
The case will now move to the appeals court.
- Who
- Trump Administration and Harvard University
- What
- Appeal of a court ruling restoring $2 billion in research funding to Harvard
- When
- Appeal filed on December 18, 2023; initial ruling on September 3, 2023
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Trump administration claims Harvard violated federal demands; Harvard argues the freeze violated its rights
- Amount of funding frozen
- $2 billion
- Date of initial ruling
- September 3, 2023
- Date of appeal
- December 18, 2023
- Judge's name
- Allison Burroughs
- Harvard's response
- Emphasized the importance of the funding for research and national security
- Trump administration's demands
- Governance, admissions, and hiring practices