The Trump administration is challenging a federal judge’s decision to overturn billions of dollars in funding reductions for Harvard University, intensifying a conflict over the White House’s push for changes at the prestigious institution.

Late Thursday, the Justice Department submitted a notice of appeal in response to two combined lawsuits initiated by Harvard and the American Association of University Professors. This legal battle has become a focal point in the government’s attempts to exert influence over the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university, amidst a broader campaign targeting elite colleges across the United States.

In her September ruling, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs determined that the administration’s substantial funding cuts infringed upon Harvard’s First Amendment rights. She criticized the government for imposing unconstitutional conditions on Harvard’s federal funding and bypassing established federal procedures that allow universities to be penalized for civil rights violations.

The Trump administration had reduced Harvard’s funding by over $2.6 billion, citing the university’s alleged delay in addressing anti-Jewish discrimination on campus. However, Judge Burroughs dismissed these allegations, asserting that the administration was using antisemitism as a pretense for an ideologically driven attack on the nation’s leading universities.

The notice of appeal marks the administration’s initial move to seek a reversal of Judge Burroughs’ decision. At this stage, the notice does not include the legal rationale that will underpin the appeal.

A statement from Harvard said university officials “remain confident in our legal position.”

“The federal district court ruled in Harvard’s favor in September, reinstating critical research funding that advances science and life-saving medical breakthroughs, strengthens national security, and enhances our nation’s competitiveness and economic priorities,” Harvard said.

Todd Wolfson, president of the AAUP, said the administration’s appeal is “just a continuation of their shameless campaign to halt critical research funding in an attempt to chill universities and faculty from engaging in any speech, teaching, and research that Donald Trump disfavors.”

The White House did not immediately comment.

Harvard has been Trump’s top target in a campaign to leverage federal control of research funding to push for reforms at elite colleges he has decried as overrun by “woke” ideology. Harvard has put up a fight against the government’s wide-reaching demands, even as others like Columbia, Brown and Cornell universities reach deals with the government.

Harvard and the White House have continued negotiations amid the legal battle, and Trump has multiple times indicated a resolution was imminent. In September, he said officials were close to a deal that would require a $500 million payment from Harvard to create a “giant trade school” to produce workers for American plants.

The deal never materialized and Trump has been quiet on the issue since then.

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