By Gloria Nosa
U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his ongoing conflict with Harvard University, labeling the renowned institution a “joke” and calling for it to be stripped of federal funding.
The latest remarks are part of Trump’s broader campaign against elite academic institutions, which he accuses of promoting “hate” and “stupidity.” Unlike some other universities, Harvard has actively resisted White House efforts to expand federal oversight on campus affairs.
“Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning and should not be listed among the world’s great universities or colleges,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.”
The president’s comments came just days after he threatened to revoke Harvard’s nonprofit tax-exempt status and freeze over $2.2 billion in federal funding. He also demanded sweeping reforms to the university’s admissions and hiring practices, along with full cooperation in federal audits of its academic programs.
Harvard President Alan Garber responded with a firm rebuttal, stating that the university “will not negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights.”
The administration’s push against Harvard is being framed as a response to what it sees as growing anti-Semitism on college campuses—allegedly fueled by pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. Critics, however, argue that the crackdown is a politically motivated attack on academic freedom and diversity initiatives.
In recent months, the White House has threatened to withhold funding from multiple institutions over race-conscious policies aimed at promoting inclusion among students and faculty, escalating a contentious national debate over the role of higher education in American society.
