In a significant social media statement, former President Barack Obama called Trump's freeze on Harvard University's federal funding unlawful, supporting the institution's refusal to comply with the White House's demands.
Obama Denounces Trump's $2 Billion Freeze on Harvard Funding as Unlawful
Obama Denounces Trump's $2 Billion Freeze on Harvard Funding as Unlawful
Former President Obama stands with Harvard against Trump's federal funding demands.
In a sharp rebuke of the current administration, Barack Obama has voiced support for Harvard University after its refusal to comply with President Donald Trump's conditions for federal funding. Trump initiated a freeze on over $2 billion in federal aid due to Harvard's non-compliance with demands aimed at combating antisemitism on campus. Obama, an alumnus of Harvard, criticized the move as "unlawful and ham-handed," encouraging other academic institutions to stand firm against similar pressure.
In his rare direct criticism of the Trump administration since leaving office, Obama highlighted the importance of protecting academic freedom. He commended Harvard for resisting the government's pressure, indicating that it sets a precedent for other universities facing similar challenges. As a sign of solidarity, hundreds of Yale faculty members have backed Harvard's stance, warning of broader threats to democratic values and academic liberty.
Since Trump's return to office, other elite universities like Stanford have also faced funding cuts while grappling with the implications of the administration's demands. Despite these pressures, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have rejected Trump's directives. In response, Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status as part of his ongoing campaign against higher education institutions he perceives as opposing his administration’s priorities.
In his rare direct criticism of the Trump administration since leaving office, Obama highlighted the importance of protecting academic freedom. He commended Harvard for resisting the government's pressure, indicating that it sets a precedent for other universities facing similar challenges. As a sign of solidarity, hundreds of Yale faculty members have backed Harvard's stance, warning of broader threats to democratic values and academic liberty.
Since Trump's return to office, other elite universities like Stanford have also faced funding cuts while grappling with the implications of the administration's demands. Despite these pressures, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have rejected Trump's directives. In response, Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status as part of his ongoing campaign against higher education institutions he perceives as opposing his administration’s priorities.
