The Trump administration has cut an additional 600 billion won in federal funding for Harvard University. This suggests that the conflict between the government, which has embarked on correcting 'progressive education,' and the university, which is defending 'academic freedom,' is intensifying.

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. administration's anti-Semitism eradication task force notified Harvard University on the 13th (local time) that it would cancel $450 million (approximately 600 billion won) in federal funding.

This measure follows the additional sanctions after the Trump administration announced a freeze on $2.2 billion (approximately 3 trillion won) in funding last month. Harvard University was expected to receive this funding from eight federal agencies.

On the 13th, the Donald Trump administration announces the cancellation of approximately 630 billion won in federal funding for Harvard University. /Courtesy of Reuters

The task force criticized in a letter that 'Harvard University has repeatedly failed to address the pervasive racial discrimination and anti-Semitic harassment on campus.' It also pointed out that there was racial discrimination in the paper evaluation process of the Harvard Law Review.

The task force claimed, 'Instead of prioritizing accountability, the Harvard leadership prioritized reconciliation and forfeited their eligibility for tax support.'

This move followed directly after Harvard President Alan Garber sent a statement to Minister of Education Linda McMahon.

President Garber countered that the Trump administration's funding cut was an 'illegal attempt that infringes on constitutional freedoms.'

This conflict illustrates the deepening 'ideological war' between the Trump administration and U.S. universities. The government criticizes prestigious schools, such as Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton, which are categorized as Ivy League, for their lukewarm response to anti-Israel sentiment.

In particular, the U.S. administration is increasing pressure by demanding the complete abolition of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies embedded in college programs.

In response, universities are directly confronting the administration's policies, claiming they violate the Constitution, and filing lawsuits.