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The Trump administration is prepared to direct federal agencies to cancel an estimated $100 million in remaining federal contracts with Harvard and seek alternative vendors, The New York Times reported Tuesday morning.

The planned cancellations were detailed in a draft copy of a letter from the United States General Services Administration, dated May 27, which instructs agencies to review all active agreements with Harvard and terminate any that do not “efficiently promote the priorities” of the federal government. The letter also advises agencies to avoid partnering with Harvard for future contracts.

The move is the latest in a string of punitive actions by the Trump administration aimed at Harvard. To date, the White House has cut off nearly $3 billion in federal funding, threatened to strip the University of its tax-exempt status, and most recently, attempted to place restrictions on Harvard’s ability to enroll international students.

Spokespeople for Harvard and the GSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Federal contracts affected by the GSA’s directive span at least nine agencies, according to an unnamed official cited by the Times. Some of the contracts had already been subject to “stop work” orders, according to the official.

The letter announcing the directive accused Harvard of violating civil rights laws, citing “racial discrimination” in admissions and hiring, a lack of response to campus antisemitism, and what it called “a disturbing lack of concern” for student safety.

“As you know, being a counterparty with the federal government comes with the deep responsibility and commitment to abide by all federal laws,” Josh Gruenbaum, the GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service commissioner, wrote in the draft letter, which was published by the Times. “The government has a duty to ensure that procurement dollars are directed to vendors and contractors who promote and champion principles of nondiscrimination and the national interest.”

In particular, Gruenbaum accused Harvard of flouting the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision banning the use of race in college admissions. Though Black enrollment at Harvard declined following the ruling — from 18 percent in 2023 to 14 percent in 2024 — the letter alleged the University’s offering of a new introductory math course was evidence of continued race-based considerations.

Gruenbaum also criticized Harvard’s handling of recent incidents of antisemitism on campus, citing the Harvard Law Review’s decision to award a fellowship to a student involved in a 2023 confrontation at a pro-Palestine protest at the Harvard Business School. The student was not convicted of related charges, but was required to complete community service under a recent diversion agreement. The HLR is an independent organization but is housed on Harvard’s property.

“At best, this sort of leadership suggests staggering incompetent; at worst, it’s deliberate malice disguised as ignorance,” the draft letter read.

Agencies have until June 6 to report any intended actions with pending contracts with Harvard. While the letter allows for temporary extensions on “critical” contracts, those must be justified by senior procurement executives and accompanied by a transition plan to a different vendor.

The move comes just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to pull $3 billion in federal funding from Harvard in a Truth Social post on Monday.

“I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land,” he wrote. It was unclear whether he was referring to cuts that have already taken place.

If the GSA’s order directive is carried out, it would represent another sharp financial blow to the University, which relies on federal contracts for a range of research, training, and academic programs. The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that taxpayer funds should not support institutions it says undermine federal values, including Harvard.

In response to recent federal action, Harvard has mounted two legal battles — the first of which, filed in late April, challenged the constitutionality of the Trump administration’s first $2.2 billion cut. Oral arguments for the suit are set to begin on July 21.

A second lawsuit was filed last Friday in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students. A federal judge blocked the DHS from enforcing the order last Friday and scheduled a hearing for an injunction for Thursday.

—Staff writer Dhruv T. Patel can be reached at dhruv.patel@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @dhruvtkpatel.

—Staff writer Grace E. Yoon can be reached at grace.yoon@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @graceunkyoon.