Harvard Endowment Hits $56.9 Billion Despite Trump-Era Funding Cuts. Harvard University's endowment — the largest in the world — has surged by nearly $4 billion, reaching $56.9 billion in fiscal 2025. The university's investment arm reported an 11.9% return, well above its 8% target, thanks to strong performance in private equity and hedge funds. This comes even as the Trump administration slashed research funding and tightened international student enrollment. Harvard also received a record $600 million in unrestricted gifts, with many alumni rallying behind the school as its clash with Washington intensifies. President Donald Trump has accused Harvard of fostering antisemitism amid the Gaza war, a claim critics say masks a wider campaign against what he views as liberal academia. The university's president, Alan Garber, said Harvard is "adapting to uncertainty and threats to revenue," but did not name Trump directly. Harvard's endowment strategy continues to set the tone for other major universities — and its performance is closely watched by Wall Street and policymakers alike. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT