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.

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.

Higher education leaders have been on edge since President Trump took office in January and announced a slew of executive actions impacting research and academic institutions.