Harvard clashes with Trump over funding freeze, academic freedom
Updated: Apr 17th, 2025
Tensions have escalated between President Donald Trump and Harvard University following a series of controversial decisions and public statements, with Trump lashing out against the prestigious institution after it rejected his demands regarding federal influence over academic operations.
According to reports, President Trump ordered a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funding allocated to Harvard, a move that came just a day before he launched a scathing attack against the university on social media. His criticism included personal insults directed at Harvard’s faculty and leadership, accusing the university of promoting what he described as “radical left ideology” and “teaching failure.”
In response, Harvard University defended its autonomy and academic freedom in a statement shared across its official platforms. Quoting University Provost Alan Garber, the message read:
“No government regardless of which party is in power should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”
The university’s stance quickly drew support from former President Barack Obama, who praised Harvard for taking a principled position.
“Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom,” Obama tweeted. “Let’s hope other institutions follow suit.”
In a sharply worded social media post, Trump accused the university of hiring what he called “the worst and most incompetent mayors” from cities like New York and Chicago to teach governance, and claimed that Harvard had become a “joke” that promotes “hate and stupidity.” He also referenced past controversies surrounding a former university president, criticising Harvard’s decision to retain her in a different academic role rather than terminating her.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s aggressive stance toward Harvard signals a broader attempt to exert political influence over elite educational institutions. The funding freeze has sparked concern within academic circles, with many fearing it could set a precedent for government overreach into private education.
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