Tensions are rising across American academia as the Trump administration froze over $2 billion in multi-year grants and contracts at Harvard University after its leaders refused to make key policy changes the White House also is demanding of other elite US colleges.

The Trump administration is going head-to-head with Harvard University to install changes to the academic institution’s governance and admissions process.

The comments are the latest volley in an escalating battle between the White House and one of the nation's most prestigious colleges.