(MENAFN) A U.S. federal judge expressed constitutional doubts regarding the Trump administration's move to withdraw over $2.6 billion in federal funds from Harvard University, calling some government claims "mind boggling," according to a news agency on Monday.

At a hearing held in Boston, Judge Allison Burroughs scrutinized the Justice Department lawyers’ explanations that the funding reduction was justified due to Harvard’s alleged insufficient handling of antisemitism on campus.

The case involved Harvard’s lawsuit against the Trump administration’s decision to drastically reduce the federal financial support, which the university asserts infringes upon the First Amendment rights.

Harvard’s legal counsel and faculty representatives argued that the action violated constitutional safeguards and lacked a legitimate legal foundation, requesting a summary judgment — a court decision rendered without a full trial.

"There are limits to what you can terminate, and why, and how," Judge Burroughs remarked during the hearing.

No immediate verdict was announced by Judge Burroughs, who is anticipated to deliver a written ruling at a later date.

President Donald Trump pledged to promptly challenge the decision, expressing confidence that the judge will rule unfavorably against his administration.

"When she rules against us, we will IMMEDIATELY appeal, and WIN," he stated on his Truth Social platform.

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