Harvard Kennedy School Announces Layoffs Amid Trump-Era Funding Cuts

Harvard Kennedy School has announced a staff layoff plan in response to a sharp decline in federal funding incurred under the Trump administration, which resulted in the loss of billions in research and program support.

In a memo Wednesday, school dean Jane Sanders noted the layoffs were “a direct consequence of reduced federal partnerships and research grants.” The affected roles include both long-term academic staff and support personnel. The cuts reflect a broader trend of reduced budget allocations by the Trump administration to the Department of Education and federally funded research programs.

Sanders said Harvard is “actively exploring philanthropic partnerships and institutional funding strategies to stabilize and re-expand critical programs.” She recognized potential short-term disruptions in policy research and student services, adding that the school remains committed to maintaining excellence in public administration training.

The administration’s budget cuts to federally backed educational initiatives—reportedly totaling $5.3 billion—also impacted several other universities across the country. Harvard faculty and administrators had previously lobbied Congress to restore funding, warning that ongoing reductions would weaken U.S. academic competitiveness.

Current Harvard students expressed concern over the layoffs, citing fears of reduced course options and access to experiential learning opportunities. Some faculty are also pursuing gift campaigns aimed at preserving key research centers, such as those focused on climate policy, public health, and democratic governance.

Harvard Kennedy School will begin the layoff process next month and expects to finalize decisions by early fall. Meanwhile, university leaders have launched a task force to evaluate alternative revenue models, with updates promised later this year.

With input from Fox News