A Massachusetts judge hasn't ruled on Harvard's lawsuit against the Trump administration, but she did make some pointed comments on Monday.

Attorneys for Harvard asked a federal judge Monday to prevent the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from the school. Hofstra University law professor James Sample explains.

Harvard University was back in court Monday for a major hearing in its funding fight case against the Trump administration, a key step in a battle over restoring more than $2 billion in federal funding for research frozen by the White House this spring.

President Donald Trump’s attacks on higher education have hurt colleges across the country, but they may also weaken the U.S.’ ability to compete with its geopolitical rival China, some lawmakers say.

Harvard University is undergoing major restructuring under new President Alan Garber, amid political pressure from Donald Trump and internal dissent. Following Claudine Gay’s resignation, Garber faces federal scrutiny over alleged antisemitism and liberal bias.

Harvard paid lobbying firm Ballard Partners $90,000 in the second quarter of 2025 as the University broadened its federal advocacy to include direct engagement with the White House, according to a disclosure filed Tuesday.