U.S. President, Donald Trump has escalated his standoff with Harvard University, calling the prestigious institution a “joke” and unworthy of federal funding.
The latest attack is part of Trump’s broader campaign against elite educational institutions, which he accuses of promoting “hate” and “stupidity.” Harvard, unlike several other universities, has pushed back against White House efforts to impose sweeping government oversight.
“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 follow his Tuesday threats to revoke Harvard’s nonprofit tax-exempt status and freeze over $2.2 billion in federal funding. He also demanded that the university reform its admissions and hiring practices and agree to federal audits of its academic programs.
Harvard President, Alan Garber responded firmly, saying the university would not “negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights.”
The Trump administration claims its actions are a response to rising anti-Semitism on campuses, which officials link to pro-Palestinian protests opposing Israel’s war in Gaza. Critics, however, view the crackdown as an attack on academic freedom and diversity initiatives.
In recent months, the White House has also threatened to withdraw funding from dozens of institutions over race-conscious policies aimed at promoting inclusion among students and faculty.