Obama-Appointed Judge Who Blocked Trump Travel Ban To Hear Harvard Funding Case

Harvard University and the Trump administration will square off in federal court Monday over more than $2 billion in frozen government funding, the latest flashpoint in a fight over antisemitism and diversity programs on campus.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts will hear arguments before Judge Allison Burroughs, an Obama appointee who blocked President Donald Trump’s travel ban in 2017 and now presides over the high-stakes education battle. The White House froze Harvard’s grants and contracts in April, citing the university’s “egregious record” on antisemitism following the October 7 attacks and illegal diversity, equity and inclusion policies the administration says fostered discrimination. (RELATED: Harvard University Funding At Risk After Trump Admin Accuses School Of Violating Students’ Civil Rights)

“Don’t allow antisemitism and DEI to run your campus,” a White House spokesperson told CNN ahead of the hearing.

Burroughs first gained national notoriety in January 2017 when she issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking Trump’s travel ban just days after it was signed.

Earlier this year, she again sided against the administration, issuing another TRO to stop the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from revoking Harvard’s ability to sponsor international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. DHS had argued Harvard’s “pro-terrorist conduct” warranted stripping the designation.

Although Trump suggested on Truth Social last week that “a Deal will be announced over the next week or so,” talks between the two sides appear to have collapsed.

Harvard is urging the court to rule quickly, warning the dispute must be resolved by Sept. 3 — the deadline for submitting paperwork to officially close out millions in grant funding. (RELATED: Trump Admin Gets One Step Closer To Making Harvard’s Worst Nightmare Come True)

“Moments ago, we filed a lawsuit to halt the funding freeze because it is unlawful and beyond the government’s authority.” – President Alan Garber https://t.co/F65kW4GaL1

— Harvard University (@Harvard) April 21, 2025