Harvard argues in court that Trump administration’s $2.6bn cuts are illegal

Ruling in university's favor would reverse funding freezes that became cuts as Trump administration escalated fight

Harvard University appeared in federal court on Monday to make the case that the Trump administration illegally cut $2.6bn from the storied college - a major test of the administration's efforts to reshape higher education institutions by threatening their financial viability.

US district judge Allison Burroughs heard arguments from Harvard and the Department of Justice. The cuts, imposed earlier this year, have halted major research efforts and Harvard argues they are a politically motivated attempt to pressure the school into adopting federal policies on student conduct, admissions, antisemitism and diversity.