Harvard University president takes 25% pay cut amid Trump administration funding freeze

Harvard University President Alan Garber has made the decision to voluntarily take a 25% reduction in pay for the upcoming 2025-26 school year in response to funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration. This reduction in his salary amounts to about $2.2 billion and is part of a larger effort by the university to address the significant financial challenges it faces.

A spokesperson for Harvard University confirmed that other leaders across the institution are also making voluntary contributions in light of the funding cuts. The university has announced a hiring pause and is asking schools and administrative units to carefully review discretionary and non-salary spending. Additionally, there will be no merit pay increases for faculty and staff for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Non-essential capital projects and spending have also been put on hold.

This is not the first time that President Garber has taken a voluntary pay reduction. In April 2020, he took a 25% pay cut as the university faced financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Harvard Crimson reported that past presidents have earned up to $1 million annually.

Harvard University has been a target of the Trump administration’s crackdown on universities, particularly in response to anti-Israel unrest on campuses. In April, the administration sent a letter to President Garber and Harvard Corporation Lead Member Penny Pritzker outlining the institution’s alleged failures and demanding reforms in governance, leadership, hiring, and admissions practices. The administration threatened to withhold federal funding if Harvard did not comply with these demands.

Harvard refused to comply with the White House’s demands, with President Garber asserting that no government should dictate the teachings, admissions, or areas of study of private universities. In response, the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard and is reportedly considering further cuts.

The university has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over what it deems to be “unlawful” freezing of funds. Despite the challenges posed by the funding cuts, Harvard remains committed to upholding its values and academic freedom.

Greg Wehner, a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. For story tips and ideas, contact Greg.Wehner@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter @GregWehner.