May 24 — Tensions between former President Donald Trump and Harvard University escalated further this week, as the political heavyweight reignited his criticism of the Ivy League institution while federal actions threaten its academic operations and financial stability.
In an interview on May 23, Trump took aim at Harvard’s academic rigor, telling reporters: “I want the best and brightest, but many [students] need remedial math. You’d be surprised—some can’t even add two plus two, yet they get into Harvard.” The remarks came in response to a question about attracting global talent to U.S. universities.
The barbed comments follow months of friction. In April, Trump’s administration demanded sweeping reforms to Harvard’s governance, admissions policies, and diversity initiatives, alleging tolerance of antisemitism on campus. When the university declined, officials froze $2.2 billion in federal grants, prompting Harvard to file a lawsuit.
The conflict reached a boiling point on May 22 when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The unprecedented move bars Harvard from enrolling international students or hosting scholars, effective immediately. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas accused the university of fostering a “hostile environment for Jewish students,” sympathizing with Hamas, and promoting “racially divisive DEI policies.” He framed the decision as a broader warning to U.S. academia.
Harvard President Claudine Gay condemned the actions as “politically motivated overreach,” announcing that the university had filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order. “We will vigorously defend our values and our global academic community,” she stated, emphasizing efforts to support affected students and scholars.
Analysts suggest the standoff reflects deeper ideological battles over higher education’s role in shaping policy and cultural discourse. With Harvard’s $51 billion endowment likely cushioning the financial blow, the legal fight may hinge on broader precedents about federal oversight of university autonomy—a clash resonating across Wall Street and Silicon Valley, where Harvard alumni hold significant influence.
As lawsuits proceed, the dispute underscores how elite institutions increasingly find themselves at the intersection of politics, free speech, and the global competition for talent—with billions in funding and reputational capital at stake.
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