Harvard's Bold Move Amid Trump Administration's Federal Funding Crackdown

Harvard University plans to borrow $750 million amid scrutiny over alleged antisemitism and federal funding threats by the Trump administration. This follows a governmental review of higher education institutions accused of tolerating antisemitism, with implications for other universities like Princeton and Brown.

Harvard University recently announced its intention to borrow $750 million from Wall Street, a strategic attempt to navigate financial turbulence emanating from the Trump administration's scrutiny over antisemitism allegations on college campuses. The move comes amidst a federal review of $9 billion in grants and contracts aimed at ensuring compliance with new conditions, including restrictions on protests.

Harvard is not alone in facing these challenges, as other prestigious institutions like Princeton and Brown are also experiencing federal pressure. In response, Harvard plans to issue taxable bonds to safeguard its academic interests, with its spokesperson citing previous issuances in 2022, and March of 2024 and 2025.

The controversy stems from widespread campus protests against Israel's actions in Gaza, which Trump's administration contends parallel antisemitic sentiments. Critics argue that these measures unfairly conflate political activism with hate, a point of contention voiced by protesters and some faculty members. Meanwhile, some Jewish students express feeling unsafe, claiming academic biases against Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)