Congressional Harvard Alumni Caution Oversight Over Any Capitulation to the Trump Administration
August 1, 2025
Reps. Liccardo, Garamendi, Ruiz, and Senators Van Hollen and Schiff led a letter warning the university against a deal similar to Brown or Columbia.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, fourteen members of the House and Senate sent a letter to Harvard President, Dr. Alan M. Garber, cautioning that any settlement made with the Trump administration may warrant rigorous Congressional oversight and inquiry.
Last week, Columbia University announced a $221 million settlement agreement with the Trump administration. Recent reports suggest that the parties have negotiated that Harvard make a potential $500 million payoff to resolve allegations against Harvard’s policies and handling of student protests.
With this letter, a bicameral group of Harvard alumni in Congress asserts their legislative congressional authority—and indeed, their obligation—to investigate any acquiescence to political pressure.
“Capitulating to political power violates the core values that Harvard represents, and that Harvard seeks to inculcate in its students,” said Congressman Liccardo (CA-16). “Each institution of higher learning that acquiesces to the Trump Administration’s demands for control over higher education becomes complicit in its authoritarian governance. We urge Harvard to defend its institutional independence and academic integrity from this blatant attempt at political intimidation, and we reserve our right to engage in congressional oversight should the university fail to do so.”
“As a Harvard alumnus and Member of Congress, I’m deeply concerned by reports of a potential settlement driven by political pressure,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “Harvard must stand firm in defending academic freedom and institutional independence. This is a test of values—and the University has a chance to lead by example.”
“Academic institutions serve as the cornerstone of our nation’s free exchange of ideas, and they must remain free from political interference. These institutions play a critical role in advancing research and innovation in vital fields, ranging from medicine to agriculture, while fostering the intellectual freedom that is essential to our democracy,” said Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08). “I am deeply concerned that settling with an administration that seeks to bully academic institutions will produce a chilling effect across higher education, ultimately undermining the invaluable contributions these institutions make to our society. We may not always agree, but we must preserve institutions where unfettered debate and research can flourish. Free speech is how we fight tyranny. Now is not the time for Harvard to give in.”
Full text of the letter can be found here.
Cosigners: Senators Van Hollen, Schiff, and Gallego and Representatives Liccardo, Ruiz, Garamendi, Scott, Takano, Himes, Castro, Hernandez, Ivey, Min, and Rivas.
Last week, Columbia University announced a $221 million settlement agreement with the Trump administration. Recent reports suggest that the parties have negotiated that Harvard make a potential $500 million payoff to resolve allegations against Harvard’s policies and handling of student protests.
With this letter, a bicameral group of Harvard alumni in Congress asserts their legislative congressional authority—and indeed, their obligation—to investigate any acquiescence to political pressure.
“Capitulating to political power violates the core values that Harvard represents, and that Harvard seeks to inculcate in its students,” said Congressman Liccardo (CA-16). “Each institution of higher learning that acquiesces to the Trump Administration’s demands for control over higher education becomes complicit in its authoritarian governance. We urge Harvard to defend its institutional independence and academic integrity from this blatant attempt at political intimidation, and we reserve our right to engage in congressional oversight should the university fail to do so.”
“As a Harvard alumnus and Member of Congress, I’m deeply concerned by reports of a potential settlement driven by political pressure,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “Harvard must stand firm in defending academic freedom and institutional independence. This is a test of values—and the University has a chance to lead by example.”
“Academic institutions serve as the cornerstone of our nation’s free exchange of ideas, and they must remain free from political interference. These institutions play a critical role in advancing research and innovation in vital fields, ranging from medicine to agriculture, while fostering the intellectual freedom that is essential to our democracy,” said Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08). “I am deeply concerned that settling with an administration that seeks to bully academic institutions will produce a chilling effect across higher education, ultimately undermining the invaluable contributions these institutions make to our society. We may not always agree, but we must preserve institutions where unfettered debate and research can flourish. Free speech is how we fight tyranny. Now is not the time for Harvard to give in.”
Full text of the letter can be found here.
Cosigners: Senators Van Hollen, Schiff, and Gallego and Representatives Liccardo, Ruiz, Garamendi, Scott, Takano, Himes, Castro, Hernandez, Ivey, Min, and Rivas.