President Donald Trump has escalated his ongoing clash with Harvard University, vowing to prevail in his dispute with one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. On Memorial Day, Trump announced his consideration to withdraw up to three billion dollars in federal grant money from Harvard, citing allegations of anti-Semitism. He suggested redirecting these funds to trade schools across the country.
Trump’s criticism extended to Harvard’s foreign student population, which serves as a significant source of both tuition and enrollment. He demanded that Harvard provide a list of these students so the government could assess their backgrounds, specifically targeting what he described as “radicalized lunatics” who he believes should not be allowed to return to the U.S.
This threat comes after the Trump administration attempted to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students. However, a federal judge issued a suspension on this move pending a hearing. Trump’s administration has also previously threatened to review Harvard’s federal funding, freezing a portion of grants and contracts, and even targeting a Harvard Medical School researcher for deportation.
This latest move is part of Trump’s broader campaign to challenge what he perceives as left-leaning institutions, including U.S. universities and the media, as he attempts to consolidate presidential control over American life.
