Harvard just became the latest lightning rod in Donald Trump’s campaign against what he calls “woke” culture. The 47th president isn’t just sounding off on social media this time- he’s pulled the plug on $2.2 billion in federal grants to the Ivy League school, setting off a fierce clash between the White House and one of the nation’s most prominent academic institutions.
Trump’s issue? Harvard’s refusal to cut its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and its unwillingness to restrict campus protests. That decision didn’t sit well with the president, who now accuses the university of pushing what he calls “radical left ideology.” The freeze on funding, confirmed by administration officials, escalates a growing standoff that could ripple across the higher education landscape.
Political Fight With Ivy League Stakes
The situation went a step further this week when Trump asked the IRS to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status. According to three sources familiar with the matter, the request came directly from the president, who views the university’s diversity efforts and response to campus antisemitism as politically motivated. While no legal violations have surfaced, Trump’s move marks a sharp shift in how the federal government engages with academic institutions.
“Harvard doesn’t get to hide behind tax laws while pushing partisan agendas,” a senior administration official said. The official added that the president wants to hold all nonprofit organizations “accountable to the same standards, regardless of prestige.”
The backlash was immediate. Senator Bernie Sanders weighed in, writing on social media, “Congratulations to Harvard for refusing to relinquish its constitutional rights to Trump’s authoritarianism. Other universities should follow their lead.” He also called out law firms, urging them to support institutions defending civil liberties.
Even NBA figures joined the fray. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr publicly mocked Trump, wearing a T-shirt poking fun at the president’s campaign against “wokeness.”
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Coach Kerr making a big statement with this T-shirt, as Harvard stood up to trump today pic.twitter.com/4NcXXJjILw
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) April 16, 2025
Despite the mounting pressure, Harvard hasn’t budged. The university has not formally responded to the grant freeze or the tax-exemption threat. Still, faculty and student groups have defended academic freedom and inclusion initiatives.
With Trump now finalizing decisions from within the White House, including high-stakes foreign policy calls, the fight with Harvard underscores how deeply cultural battles have become intertwined with national governance. Whether other schools fall in line or join Harvard in resistance remains to be seen.
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