Trump Escalates Battle with Harvard Over Funding and Campus Policies
President Trump calls Harvard a 'threat to democracy' amid lawsuit over a $2.3 billion funding freeze, sparking significant controversy and backlash.
For the Trump administration, Harvard presents the first major hurdle in its attempt to force change at universities that Republicans say have become hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism.
Trump launches tirade against Harvard amid lawsuit: ‘A threat to Democracy’
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The consequences of the government's overreach will be severe and long-lasting.
Harvard sues Trump administration over $2 billion funding freeze
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Trump is trying to bully Harvard with the only thing he has, which is also the only thing he’s ever had: money.
In a Normal World, Harvard’s Lawsuit Against Trump Would Be a Slam Dunk
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The lawsuit also alleges that the funding freeze is unlawful because it infringes on First Amendment rights, which guarantee the freedom of speech.
How will Harvard and other universities survive Trump’s funding cuts?
Al Jazeera·8d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Despite the freeze, Harvard President Alan Garber told NBC News on Wednesday the school had "no choice" but to fight back against what it believes is federal overreach.
Harvard President: Will 'Not Compromise' With Trump
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The Trump administration intends to “end the secrecy surrounding foreign funds in American educational institutions” and protect against “foreign exploitation,” the order said.
Trump signs executive orders targeting colleges, plus schools' equity efforts
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The collection of orders aim to cement Trump's conservative agenda when it comes to education in America, including rolling back the policies from the Biden administration, bolstering workforce training, improving teaching about artificial intelligence in schools, and launching a new White House initiative on historically Black colleges and universities.
Trump signs executive actions on education, including efforts to rein in DEI
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The Trump administration believes accreditation entities have become too focused on "woke ideology" instead of results.
Trump signs executive order to influence college accreditations
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The objective, according to a White House news release, is "to fully equip the American worker to produce world-class products and implement world-leading technologies."
Trump issues mandates on HBCUs, school discipline, foreign gifts, accreditation
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The accreditation order, a tool Trump referred to as his "secret weapon" during his campaign, comes as part of the president's larger effort to reshape US universities, which he argues have been corrupted by left-wing ideologies.
New Trump order targets university accreditation process
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Trump’s administration has been engaged in an all-out attack on US universities since the president took office in January, seeking to dramatically alter institutions he has claimed have been taken over by “Marxist maniacs and lunatics”.
Trump signs orders cracking down on diversity and inclusion at US universities
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Trump's order called on schools to discipline students based purely on their behavior, with no regard to racial disparities as a result of disciplinary action.
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The order clarifies that universities failing to comply with disclosure requirements risk losing access to federal grant funds.
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Besides focusing on returning meritocracy to the education system, the president's Executive Orders also sought to modernize American education and workforce preparation through the implementation of AI education in schools and through a commitment to add 1 million new apprenticeships.
FOX News·9d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.Trump’s executive order is the opening salvo in what could be a lengthy battle to overhaul the accrediting industry.
Trump signs executive orders targeting colleges, plus schools' equity efforts
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President Donald Trump on April 23 announced additional education reform measures that he said will promote transparency and meritocracy over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; boost technology and innovation; and improve learning environments.
Trump Signs Orders Ending DEI in University Accreditation, Requiring Foreign Gift Disclosure
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Summary
On April 23, 2025, President Trump heightened tensions with Harvard University, labeling it a 'threat to democracy' after the school rejected his administration's demands tied to a $2.3 billion funding freeze. Harvard's lawsuit against the government, citing First Amendment violations, argues the freeze jeopardizes critical research initiatives. Trump's criticism has extended to Harvard's legal representation, calling for the dismissal of a lawyer who also works for the Trump Organization. The situation has drawn condemnation from over 200 university leaders, exacerbating concerns about political interference in academic institutions and the implications for research amidst financial uncertainty.
Perspectives
Trump's administration targets higher education with new executive orders aimed at reshaping university accreditation processes and enforcing foreign gift disclosure laws, citing concerns over financial ties with foreign entities and a perceived bias against conservative viewpoints in academia.
The orders include directives to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, positioning them as obstacles to meritocracy and academic integrity, which the administration believes should focus on student outcomes and performance rather than social justice issues.
In addition to reforming accreditation, the administration promotes initiatives for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and calls for incorporating artificial intelligence training into education to equip students for future job markets.
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