Harvard is a joke

U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his confrontation with Harvard, saying prestigious institutions were “joking” and not worthy of federal funding.

The latest attack is part of Trump’s wider campaign against elite educational institutions, accusing him of promoting “hatred” and “stupidity.” Unlike several other universities, Harvard has opposed the White House efforts to impose comprehensive government oversight.

Trump posted on The Society of Truth “Harvard should not even be regarded as a decent place of learning, nor should it be regarded as a decent place of learning, nor should it be included in the great university or university of the world.”

“Harvard is a joke, teaching hatred and stupidity that should no longer be obtained for federal funds.”

The president’s comment comes after he threatened to revoke Harvard’s nonprofit tax-free status on Tuesday and freezes more than $2.2 billion in federal funds. He also asked the university to reform its admission and recruitment practices and agreed to federal review of its academic programs.

Harvard President Alan Garber responded firmly, saying the university would not “negotiate about its independence or constitutional rights.”

The Trump administration claims its actions are a response to rising anti-Semitism on campus, with officials linked to protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. However, critics see the repression as an attack on academic freedom and diversity programs.

In recent months, the White House has also threatened to withdraw policies aimed at promoting the inclusion of students and faculty members from dozens of institutions.