Trump Alleges Harvard is ‘Judge Shopping’ and Plans to Divert $3 Billion in Federal Grants to Trade Schools

President Donald Trump recently took aim at Harvard University, accusing it of “judge shopping” amid a legal battle with his administration. He threatened to withdraw $3 billion in federal funding over the university’s alleged mishandling of anti-Israel protests.

In a post, Trump declared, “I’m thinking about taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land. What a great investment that would be for the USA!”

His remarks come as Harvard prepares for its spring commencement. This tension stems from a larger feud between the university and the Trump administration, focusing on issues of antisemitism, federal funding, and freedom of speech.

Recently, the Trump administration restricted Harvard from enrolling international students, a move quickly blocked by a federal judge. Harvard quickly filed a lawsuit, and this situation adds to the ongoing legal challenges faced by the administration.

International students represent about 27% of Harvard’s student body, and the outcome of this case will be pivotal for their enrollment. A hearing is expected soon to address this matter.

In another lawsuit, Harvard challenged the administration’s decision to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funds after the university rejected policy changes the White House demanded.

U.S. District Court Judge Allison Dale Burroughs is overseeing both cases. She has a history with Harvard, having previously upheld its admissions process in a 2019 affirmative action case, a ruling later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Burroughs has also laid down the law against the Trump administration in past cases, showing she does not shy away from high-stakes decisions. Her ability to enact balance during contentious times in U.S. history is noteworthy.

Trump’s recent comments also criticized the practice of “judge shopping,” where parties try to choose favorable judges for their cases. This tactic is common across political spectrums, used alike by Republicans and Democrats. Trump pointed out that Harvard’s legal strategy has led them to a judge he perceives as favorable to them.

Additionally, Trump stoked controversy by requesting the “names and countries” of thousands of international students at Harvard, raising concerns about privacy and discrimination. As of October 2024, data shows that most international students at Harvard come from China, followed by Canada, India, South Korea, and the UK.

Both parties are set to meet in court soon, while Harvard’s campus buzzes with nearly 9,000 graduation candidates celebrating commencement just a short distance from the federal courthouse. Harvard is striving to protect its interests while navigating a complex legal landscape with far-reaching implications.

For more insights on this ongoing story, check out the [CNN coverage](https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/26/us/trump-harvard-judge-shopping-federal-grants) for updates.

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