Harvard's President Alan Garber publicly rejected the White House's demands in a message to the university community, asserting that the institution would not compromise its independence or constitutional rights. The administration's threats come amid claims from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that Harvard is compromising national security and has asked for details on any foreign student visa holders involved in "illegal and violent" activities. As international students constitute over 27% of Harvard's enrollment, the stakes are high.

The university currently faces a freeze of $2.2 billion in federal funds due to the ongoing dispute. Trump's remarks on his social media platform further criticized Harvard, labeling the institution a "JOKE" and implying it should not qualify for federal assistance. This issue is part of a broader pattern of actions taken by the Trump administration against universities viewed as resistant to conservative views, particularly following pro-Palestinian protests on campuses.

While universities like Columbia have acquiesced to similar pressures—agreeing to changes for the sake of retaining federal funding—Harvard's leadership has so far rejected these overtures. The situation continues to evolve, highlighting the challenges faced by educational institutions amid increased political scrutiny and calls for accountability regarding antisemitism.