Trump Escalates Offensive Against Harvard: Accuses Antisemitism, Threatens to Redirect $3 Billion to Trade Schools

President Donald Trump has escalated his confrontation with Harvard University, accusing the institution of promoting a “very antisemitic” culture and proposing to redirect $3 billion in federal grants to trade schools across the United States.

In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump stated: “I am looking at taking $3 billion in subsidies away from a very antisemitic Harvard and giving it to trade schools all across our great nation.”

This statement comes amid a series of actions by the Trump administration targeting Harvard, including directing federal agencies to cancel existing contracts with the university, which total approximately $100 million.

The move is in response to accusations that Harvard has failed to adequately address incidents of antisemitism on campus and has continued using race-based admissions practices, despite a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that bans such policies.

Additionally, the administration has attempted to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students an action that was temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

In response, Harvard has filed legal challenges, arguing that these government actions threaten its academic freedom and constitutional rights.

Harvard President Alan Garber has criticized the measures, stating that cutting funding for research harms not only the university but the country as a whole, as these funds support high-priority projects designated by the federal government.

Garber emphasized that such actions pose a serious threat to academic freedom and the diversity of thought in higher education institutions.

Trump’s proposal to shift funds to technical schools has been met with skepticism from academic leaders, who acknowledge the importance of vocational education but argue that it should not come at the expense of higher education and research.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the administration and academic institutions over issues of free speech, diversity, and the federal government’s role in education.

This conflict marks a significant chapter in the relationship between the federal government and universities, with potential implications for academic autonomy and the future allocation of educational resources in the United States.