Trump Threatens To Revoke $3B in Harvard Grants To Give to Trade Schools

Published: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 2:34 pm

Trump Threatens to Defund Harvard, Redirecting Funds to Trade Schools

President Donald Trump has reignited his feud with Harvard University, threatening to revoke $3 billion in federal grant money and redirect it to trade schools. This move, announced on his social media platform Truth Social, marks the latest escalation in a months-long battle between Trump and the Ivy League institution.

Trump's actions are fueled by accusations that Harvard has failed to adequately address student protests, overhaul diversity policies, and provide information about international students. He has also expressed concerns about antisemitism on campus. The administration previously barred the university from enrolling foreign students and froze over $2.2 billion in federal grant money and $60 million in contracts.

Harvard President Alan Garber has rejected the administration's demands, citing free speech and constitutional concerns. The university has filed lawsuits in federal court, arguing that the administration's actions are unlawful and threaten academic freedom. Harvard's financial strength, with a $53.2 billion endowment, gives it a significant advantage in resisting these pressures.

This latest threat comes as part of Trump's 2024 campaign messaging, focusing on "rebuilding America" and supporting vocational education. The situation has drawn strong reactions, with Senator Bernie Sanders supporting Harvard's stance. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration's ban on foreign student enrollment, and further legal challenges are expected if Trump follows through on his funding threat.

BNN's Perspective: While the concerns about antisemitism and campus policies are valid and should be addressed, the use of federal funding as a political weapon raises serious questions. Redirecting funds to trade schools could be beneficial, but it shouldn't come at the expense of academic freedom or be used to punish institutions for disagreeing with the administration. A balanced approach that addresses concerns while upholding constitutional principles is crucial.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Harvard University, federal grants, trade schools, funding, antisemitism, foreign students, academic freedom, Alan Garber, Bernie Sanders, political, education, campaign, Truth Social, endowment, lawsuits, free speech, constitutional rights, vocational education, defunding, Trump administration.

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