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Trump administration’s cuts to Harvard funding are unconstitutional, judge rules

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration acted unconstitutionally in cutting $2.2 billion in research funding from Harvard University
The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, mandates that the federal government restore the funding. The White House has vowed to appeal the decision

🔭 The context: The funding cuts stemmed from the administration’s claims that Harvard failed to adequately address antisemitism and misused diversity policies
These allegations formed part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration — led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon — to scrutinize elite universities’ handling of free speech and campus inclusion
Tensions escalated in recent months, with President Trump rejecting compromise and demanding punitive measures

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Federal research funding to universities like Harvard supports critical work in climate science, sustainability innovation, and environmental policy
Disruptions to this funding threaten long-term research in decarbonization, biodiversity, and clean technologies
The ruling reinforces institutional autonomy, which is vital for advancing science-based climate solutions

⏭️ What's next: The Biden administration must now determine whether to comply with the ruling or support the Trump-era appeal
Harvard is expected to resume stalled research programs and may seek further legal protections against future political interference
The case could set a legal precedent on how political ideology intersects with public funding of academic institutions

💬 One quote: “This decision affirms that no administration can weaponize public funding to silence academic institutions,” said Nadine Strossen, professor emerita at New York Law School and former ACLU president

📈 One stat: Harvard receives over $600 million annually in federal research grants—much of it directed toward health, energy, and climate-related studies

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