Former U.S. President Barack Obama commended Harvard University for refusing to bow to pressure from the Trump administration. He remarked that the university had set an example for other colleges by standing firm in defense of student activism and academic freedom.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Obama said that Harvard had rejected an “unlawful and ham-handed” attempt to restrict academic freedom. He also mentioned that the university had taken meaningful steps to ensure that all students could benefit from an environment that encouraged open discussion and mutual respect.
Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and… https://t.co/gAu9UUqgjF
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2025
“Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect. Let’s hope other institutions follow suit,” Obama stated.
Trump Administration Withheld Harvard’s Funding
Following Harvard’s resistance, the Trump administration reportedly blocked significant funding. It held back $2.2 billion in grants and froze $60 million in long-term contracts. These actions appeared to be a response to the university’s support for student activism and refusal to comply with government demands.
Federal Government Demanded Reforms
On Friday, the Trump administration had sent a letter to Harvard, asking the university to make several changes in order to maintain its financial relationship with the federal government. According to the letter, these changes included:
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Leadership and governance reforms,
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Strict merit-based hiring and admissions, without considering race, religion, sex, or nationality,
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Restrictions on admitting students who might oppose American values,
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An end to all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
Harvard Rejected the Demands
On Monday, Harvard issued a response through a letter saying it would not surrender its independence or give up its constitutional rights. The university pointed out that the government’s proposal tried to control its internal affairs and violate its core principles.
The letter explained that the agreement required monitoring the personal beliefs of students, faculty, and staff, and weakening the position of those who held certain political views. Harvard’s legal team informed the federal authorities that the university would not accept the proposed deal. “They include requirements to ‘audit’ the viewpoints of our student body, faculty, staff, and to ‘reduc[e] the power’ of certain students, faculty, and administrators targeted because of their ideological views. We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement,” the letter said.
Harvard added that the demands infringed on its First Amendment rights and went beyond what the government could legally require under Title VI.
Trump Administration Responded to Rejection
After Harvard declined to cooperate, the Trump administration defended its decision to freeze the funding. It claimed that the university’s response reflected a sense of entitlement. Officials argued that federal support came with an obligation to follow civil rights laws. “Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges — that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws,” the administration stated.
