Appeals court weighs judge’s authority to restore Trump administration funding cuts to Harvard

A federal appeals court deliberated Monday on the legitimacy of Judge Allison Burroughs' authority to restore billions in funding previously cut by the Trump administration from Harvard University. The dispute arose after the judge ruled last year that the funding reductions were an act of retaliation for Harvard's refusal to comply with the administration's governance demands.

The government argued that the case should be heard in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, which specializes in disputes between citizens and the federal government, rather than in federal district court. Harvard's attorney, Paul Clement, contended that the issue extended beyond mere contract law, delving into broader themes of retaliation and discrimination.

The district court's decision to reinstate the funding was deemed an appropriate resolution to the violations, according to Clement. The appellate judges, including nominees from both major political parties, will deliberate on the matter and issue a ruling.