Big Take The Financial Stakes of Trump’s Attacks on Harvard
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May 28, 2025 Brooke Sutherland, Bloomberg's Boston bureau chief, dives into the ongoing clash between the Trump administration and Harvard University. She highlights the implications of threats against the university's funding and the potential fallout for international student enrollment. The discussion explores how these political maneuvers could destabilize Harvard's financial standing while affecting the broader educational landscape. Additionally, Sutherland addresses the significant economic impact Harvard has on the Boston area, revealing a tumultuous intersection of politics, education, and finance.
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Harvard's Federal Funding at Risk
- Taking away $2.6 billion in federal research funding would critically harm Harvard's research projects.
- This reduction impacts cutting-edge studies on ALS, tuberculosis, and space radiation mitigation.
Endowment Limits Harvard's Flexibility
- Harvard's $53 billion endowment is largely invested long-term and earmarked for specific purposes.
- The university cannot freely use these funds to cover current federal funding shortfalls.
International Students Crucial Financially
- Nearly 30% of Harvard's students are international, paying full tuition without federal aid.
- Barring international students would significantly reduce Harvard's enrollment and finances.