U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday branded Harvard University a “joke” and called for the prestigious institution to lose its federal research funding.
The backlash comes amid Harvard’s refusal to allow political oversight of its internal operations.
“Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds,” Trump declared on his Truth Social account. He also asserted that the university “can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning” and dismissed its place among top global universities.
The Trump administration escalated the pressure by threatening to strip Harvard of its ability to enroll foreign students unless it complies with certain federal demands. According to reports from U.S. media, the White House is also considering revoking the university’s tax-exempt status.
Trump’s fury centers around Harvard’s rejection of government involvement in its admissions processes, hiring practices, and perceived political biases. In response, the administration has frozen $2.2 billion in federal funds earmarked for the university.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the cancellation of $2.7 million in research grants to Harvard. DHS further warned the university that its international student enrollment privileges are at risk unless it hands over information related to visa holders allegedly involved in “illegal and violent activities.”
“If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” a DHS statement read. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem also accused the institution of “bending the knee to antisemitism.”
According to Harvard’s own data, international students accounted for 27.2 percent of its student body in the current academic year.
While other universities like Columbia have reportedly accepted less sweeping demands from the Trump administration, Harvard has refused to yield. The university’s president, Alan Garber, reaffirmed its stance, stating that Harvard will not “negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights.”
