The U.S. government announced that it has frozen over $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts allocated to Harvard University after the institution declared it would not comply with demands from President Donald Trump's administration to limit political activity on campus.

In a letter to Harvard, the administration called for extensive reforms in governance and leadership, requiring the university to adopt admissions and hiring policies based on what it terms "merit." Additionally, it demanded a review of the views of students, faculty, and leadership on diversity.

The updated demands also included a ban on wearing masks, seemingly targeting pro-Palestinian protesters. The administration further pressured the university to cease recognizing or funding "any student group or club that supports or promotes criminal activity, unlawful violence, or illegal harassment."