The universities contend that the funding freeze would severely disrupt ongoing research and harm the careers of aspiring scientists at Harvard and other institutions.

On June 9, 2025, Michigan State University (MSU) joined 18 other research universities in signing an amicus brief supporting Harvard College in its lawsuit against the Trump administration over a freeze of $2.2 billion in federal research grants.

This lawsuit, initially filed by Harvard in April 2025, has garnered support from multiple institutions, including the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, which also back the challenge to the funding freeze.

The amicus brief, submitted by 23 research universities on June 6, emphasizes the critical role of federal grants in advancing scientific research and national security.

It warns that cutting federal funding will adversely affect not only the institutions directly involved but also the collaborative nature of research that benefits the broader innovation ecosystem.

Oregon State University highlighted in a letter to its community the long-standing relationship between the government and research universities, which would be jeopardized by such funding cuts.

MSU Spokesperson Amber McCann stated that joining the brief underscores MSU's commitment to federal partnerships essential for maintaining the U.S.'s leadership in research and innovation.

In 2024, MSU reported $932 million in research expenditures, with $474 million sourced from federal funding, and has faced an estimated $82 million in funding cuts as of May 2025.

The brief argues that university research is vital for America's scientific progress, referencing historical examples such as the establishment of the Office of Scientific Research and Development during World War II.

It also points out that federal support was crucial in the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, which would have taken significantly longer without such funding.

The brief highlights the importance of academic-government partnerships in establishing the U.S. as a global leader in various fields, from cancer treatments to technological innovations.

In response, the Trump administration has defended the funding freeze, with a White House spokesman asserting that taxpayer funds should not support institutions like Harvard, which they allege misuses such funds.