Trump Threatens Harvard with $2.2B Funding Cut, Calls University a 'Joke'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Harvard University on Wednesday, calling the Ivy League school a “joke” and a hub of “hate and stupidity.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump vowed to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status and cut off access to over $2.2 billion in federal medical research funding, unless the university submits to external political oversight.

The conflict stems from Harvard’s refusal to comply with Trump administration demands to open its admissions, hiring, and academic programs to federal scrutiny — a move the administration claims is aimed at combating anti-Semitism and “ideological indoctrination.”

“Academic freedom is very important,” said Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who wore Harvard gear in solidarity and condemned Trump’s actions as “overreach.”

Harvard Pushes Back: “We Will Not Negotiate Our Independence”

Harvard President Alan Garber responded strongly, defending the university’s autonomy and constitutional protections:

“We will not negotiate our independence or constitutional rights,” Garber stated.

With 162 Nobel laureates and a leading position in global scientific research, Harvard is among the top recipients of U.S. government research funding. Critics warn that freezing this funding could have severe consequences for scientific progress, especially in medical fields.

Broader Battle: Trump’s War on Liberal Institutions

Trump’s clash with Harvard is part of a wider campaign targeting institutions he views as left-leaning, including mainstream media, elite universities, and law firms. While some universities like Columbia have complied with the administration’s new oversight push, Harvard’s resistance has made it a lightning rod in the debate over academic freedom versus federal control.

Supporters of the administration argue that publicly funded institutions must uphold certain standards and not promote what they see as partisan ideologies. Opponents, however, see Trump’s pressure tactics as an attack on higher education independence and a potential violation of the First Amendment.