The U.S. Department of Education demanded that Harvard University submit records related to funds received from foreign sources. This is interpreted as a move by U.S. President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Harvard, which has opposed his policies.

Harvard University. /Courtesy of AP News

The Ministry of Education stated that the existing reports from Harvard regarding subsidies and donations received from foreign sources contain incomplete and inaccurate data for the years 2014 to 2019, and demanded the submission of the last 10 years' worth of data, according to reports by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Bloomberg on the 18th (local time).

Minister Linda McMahon noted in a statement, "This demand is the first step to prevent Harvard from being manipulated by foreign organizations or following the instructions of foreign organizations." However, the Ministry of Education did not provide evidence that Harvard is influenced by foreign entities.

Harvard stated in a statement, "By law, Harvard has submitted reports that include donations and contract information from foreign sources exceeding $250,000," adding, "Support from alumni and donors has been essential to maintaining our continued excellence in research and educational missions throughout Harvard's history."

During its first term in 2020, the Trump administration also began investigating Harvard due to issues related to foreign donations. The Trump administration claimed that U.S. universities had failed to report over $6.5 billion in foreign funds, and the investigation into Harvard was part of this. This investigation concluded in 2024 under the Biden administration.

Previously, the Trump administration had demanded changes to campus policies at Harvard to eradicate anti-Semitism; however, Harvard rejected this on the 14th. As a result, the Trump administration announced a freeze on over 3 trillion won in subsidies related to Harvard. Furthermore, it is escalating its pressure by revoking the university's tax-exempt status and taking away certification necessary for approving international student visas.