Former President Trump is taking aim at Harvard, threatening to strip $3 billion in federal funding and redirect it to trade schools. His move comes amid accusations of antisemitism and “woke” ideology at the elite university. Harvard, under President Alan Garber, is fighting back through lawsuits, claiming government overreach into academic independence. The battle has divided public opinion, with some cheering Trump’s shake-up while others cry foul. The stakes couldn’t be higher for American higher education’s future.
Former President Trump launched his latest salvo against elite education, threatening to strip Harvard University of $3 billion in federal grant money. The announcement, made primarily through social media and Truth Social posts, came amid growing criticism of Harvard’s handling of campus bias and antisemitism.
Trump didn’t mince words. He labeled Harvard “antisemitic” and accused the university of hiring “woke, Radical Left, idiots.” His solution? Redirect the billions to trade schools, where students actually learn practical skills instead of what he sees as ideological nonsense. Many Americans acknowledge that skilled laborers are essential for society’s functioning.
Trump blasts Harvard as antisemitic, vows to move billions in funding to trade schools teaching real-world skills.
The former president’s move isn’t just talk. His administration had already frozen $2.2 billion in federal aid and banned international student enrollment at Harvard. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the administration’s authority over federal funding allocation. Now, they’re demanding serious reforms – including changes to hiring practices, admissions policies, and the elimination of what they call ideological criteria.
Harvard’s not taking this lying down. The university, led by President Alan Garber, fired back with lawsuits challenging the legality of Trump’s actions. They’re arguing that the federal government can’t dictate curriculum or faculty composition. It’s turned into a full-blown legal battle over academic independence.
The demands are specific and strict. Harvard must establish viewpoint diversity across all departments, submit to annual audits through 2028, and reform programs accused of bias. If departments don’t comply, their hiring and admissions could be handed over to other university units.
Public reaction has been split. Some Americans are cheering Trump’s attempt to shake up elite education, while others see it as government overreach. The idea of redirecting funds to trade schools – teaching mechanics, technicians, and other skilled workers – has struck a chord with those frustrated by traditional higher education.
The battle lines are drawn. It’s Harvard’s ivory tower versus Trump’s vision of practical education. Meanwhile, the courts will decide whether a president can actually strip billions from one of America’s oldest universities. Stay tuned – this fight’s far from over.
