A federal judge in Boston has ruled that the US President Donald Trump's administration unlawfully terminated approximately $2.2 billion in grants awarded to Harvard University.

Judge Allison Burroughs, an Obama appointee, barred the administration from cutting off research funding to the university and blocked any further attempts to withhold funds.

The decision marks a significant legal victory for Harvard, which has been at the center of the Trump administration's efforts to force change at US universities.

The Cambridge-based school became a focal point in the administration's campaign against what Trump describes as 'radical left' ideologies and antisemitism on university campuses.

In early actions, the administration canceled hundreds of research grants, citing Harvard's alleged failure to address harassment of Jewish students sufficiently.

Harvard sued, arguing that it was being retaliated against for its refusal to meet government demands over hiring and teaching practices.

While acknowledging the need to combat antisemitism, Burroughs found that this was not the administration's primary objective.

She argued that officials sought to pressure Harvard into conceding control in violation of free-speech rights under the US Constitution's First Amendment.

The judge emphasized the role of courts in safeguarding academic freedom and preventing arbitrary funding terminations.

In response, the White House spokesperson described Burroughs as an 'activist Obama-appointed judge' and stated that Harvard has no constitutional right to taxpayer funds.

The administration plans to appeal the decision, aiming to hold Harvard accountable for what they describe as its shortcomings.