Can Harvard Withstand Trump’s Financial Attack?
Posted on: Apr 22, 2025 14:33 IST | Posted by: Nytimes
Supported by
The world’s richest university may have enough money to survive a battle with the most powerful man in the world. But if Trump wins, Harvard won’t be the same.
Alan Blinder and Stephanie Saul
The world’s wealthiest university is under attack by one of world’s richest, most powerful men. The reasons have to do with disagreements about antisemitism, racial politics and raw power.
But the fight, which the government accelerated with a mistimed letter, is also about taking Harvard and its billions down several notches.
The Trump administration has frozen more than $2.2 billion in grants and contracts that were intended for Harvard, which is also America’s oldest institution of higher education. As Harvard and President Trump face off over the government’s intrusive demands, the university’s riches have emerged as a flashpoint.
Mr. Trump has made it clear that he may want to take every last penny the government sends to the institution — and, if the Internal Revenue Service strips Harvard of its tax-exempt status, maybe collect more from the university, too.
On Monday, the university sued the administration, arguing the government had overstepped. The question is whether Harvard can handle the blow if its legal effort is unsuccessful.
Harvard was sitting on $64 billion at the end of its most recent fiscal year, after factoring in its various debts. By comparison, this year’s Massachusetts state budget is worth about $58 billion.
Harvard has schools ranging from divinity to dentistry and more than 100 research centers, giving the university an especially wide range of projects.
Note: Figures are for fiscal year 2023.
Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
By The New York Times
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.