Education Secretary Linda McMahon Defends Harvard President's Pay Cut Amid Antisemitism Probe

The ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and Harvard University escalated this week as Education Secretary Linda McMahon questioned the effectiveness of Harvard President Alan Garber’s recent pay cut amid mounting federal scrutiny and funding freezes.

During an appearance on FOX Business’ "The Evening Edit," Secretary McMahon cast doubt on whether Garber's decision to take a 25% salary reduction for the 2025-26 academic year signals any substantive change at the nation's oldest university. "I'm not quite sure today with the president of Harvard, President Garber, taking a salary decrease is somehow a statement that they're changing their policies on antisemitism or racial discrimination. I don’t think that does a whole lot to solve the problem," McMahon remarked.

According to a university spokesperson, the pay cut comes in response to the Trump administration’s decision to freeze and terminate over $2.2 billion in federal funding—measures taken after allegations that Harvard failed to adequately address incidents of antisemitism and race discrimination on campus. The White House's Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced recently that an additional $450 million in research grants would be terminated, further intensifying financial pressure on the institution.

The administration's concerns are not limited to campus climate issues. A letter sent in April to President Garber and Harvard Corporation Lead Member Penny Pritzker listed a series of demands, including reforms to governance, leadership, hiring, and admissions practices. The letter specifically urged changes to international admissions to prevent the entry of students deemed "hostile" to American values or supportive of terrorism or antisemitism.

Harvard has pushed back forcefully against these demands. In statements and a recently amended federal lawsuit, university officials argued that the government’s actions not only threaten academic independence but also violate legal precedents regarding the autonomy of private educational institutions. President Garber stated, "No government … should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and areas of study and inquiry they can pursue."

Despite the lawsuit and public statements, the Trump administration remains firm. Secretary McMahon indicated that additional funding—potentially up to another $1 billion—could be withheld if Harvard fails to comply with federal requirements. "It is clear antisemitism on campus is a civil rights violation, and Harvard has argued… that maybe their First Amendment rights are being abridged. This is not about the First Amendment. This is civil rights," McMahon emphasized.

The administration has also threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, signaling a broader crackdown that could extend to other major universities. McMahon acknowledged that Harvard has made some changes, such as requesting the resignation of the chair of its Middle East Studies department, but she insisted these steps fall short of what federal authorities are demanding.

• $2.2 billion in federal funding already frozen
• $450 million in research grants newly terminated
• Additional threats of funding cuts and loss of tax-exempt status

As the standoff continues, the outcome could have lasting implications for the relationship between elite universities and the federal government, particularly concerning oversight of campus culture and the future of academic freedom. For now, both sides remain entrenched—a legal and political battle with billions of dollars and core principles at stake.