In a blistering attack on Harvard University, ex-US President Donald Trump branded the elite university “a joke” and called for it to no longer receive any federal funding. The attack is part of an escalating standoff between the Trump administration and elite universities over diversity policy issues and claims of antisemitism.
Trump Cuts Federal Funds, Demands Overhaul
Posting on his Truth Social site, Trump wrote, “Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.” He also asserted, “Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World’s Great Universities or Colleges.”
The comments came on the heels of the administration’s move to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funds set for Harvard, as well as possibly revoking its tax-exempt nonprofit status. The administration has made the same threat to other universities and colleges, particularly those with policies fostering racial diversity in hiring and admissions.
Reforms Harvard Refused to Accept
The Trump administration laid out a set of 10 far-reaching reforms for Harvard, which include:
- Governance and leadership reforms
- Merit-based hiring and admissions reforms
- International admissions changes
- Viewpoint diversity in hiring and admissions
- Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs
- Reforms in programs with histories of antisemitism or bias
- Whistleblower protections and transparency audits
- Reforms to student discipline and accountability
Harvard refused to budge despite increasing pressure. In a statement, the university indicated that it would not “negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights,” which ultimately resulted in losing its federal financial support.
The Political Context
Trump’s action fits within a wider push by his administration to confront top academic institutions with what it says is an increasing issue of antisemitism and ideologically skewed teaching, especially concerning backing Hamas and other divisive topics.
While Trump continues to campaign on these issues, Harvard is now a key target in his broader war on what he defines as “woke” institutions. Therefore, the result of this battle has important implications for US higher education policy and, moreover, academic freedom.
