Harvard University is the latest school to implement a hiring freeze as federal funding remains uncertain. President Trump has threatened to cut federal funding for schools that allow "illegal" protests. Universities use millions of dollars in federal funding for student aid and research programs.

"Effective immediately, Harvard will implement a temporary pause on staff and faculty hiring across the University," the letter stated. Temporary hiring pause at Harvard. Harvard,

Garber continued that Harvard had been preparing for "changes in the revenues that support our mission," and has asked that its schools and units identify "strategic adjustments in their spending to build the long-term capacity needed to advance academic priorities at a time of uncertain revenues" as part of its 2026 fiscal year.