Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - U.S. President, Donald Trump has escalated his standoff with Harvard University, calling the prestigious institution a “joke” and unworthy of federal funding.
The latest attack is part of Trump’s broader campaign against
elite educational institutions, which he accuses of promoting “hate” and
“stupidity.” Harvard, unlike several other universities, has pushed back
against White House efforts to impose sweeping government oversight.
“Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of
learning and should not be listed among the world’s great universities or
colleges,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no
longer receive Federal Funds.”
The president's comments follow his Tuesday threats to revoke
Harvard’s nonprofit tax-exempt status and freeze over $2.2 billion in federal
funding. He also demanded that the university reform its admissions and hiring
practices and agree to federal audits of its academic programs.
Harvard President, Alan Garber responded firmly, saying the
university would not “negotiate over its independence or its constitutional
rights.”
The Trump administration claims its actions are a response to
rising anti-Semitism on campuses, which officials link to pro-Palestinian
protests opposing Israel’s war in Gaza. Critics, however, view the crackdown as
an attack on academic freedom and diversity initiatives.
In recent months, the White House has also threatened to
withdraw funding from dozens of institutions over race-conscious policies aimed
at promoting inclusion among students and faculty.
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