Trump continues to target Harvard as graduation nears

The Trump administration moved to sever federal ties with Harvard, targeting nearly $100 million in contracts.

(NBC)- On the eve of graduation at Harvard University, the mood on campus is anything but celebratory. Students are not only preparing for their futures—but also grappling with the uncertainty surrounding their university’s own.

“We will not be repressed. Today we can stand up and say no,” said Rae Trainer, a graduating student, during a campus protest Tuesday. Demonstrations erupted after the Trump administration moved to sever federal ties with Harvard, targeting nearly $100 million in contracts.

President Trump, escalating his public feud with the Ivy League institution, defended the decision: “We give them billions of dollars, which is ridiculous.” His administration accuses Harvard of liberal bias and failing to combat antisemitism. In response, it has frozen federal funds, launched investigations, and temporarily revoked the university’s ability to enroll international students—though a federal judge has paused that directive.

The administration is also proposing a redirection of $3 billion in research grants toward trade schools.
“Apprenticeships, electricians, plumbers—we need more of those in our country and less LGBTQ-graduate majors from Harvard University,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Harvard, however, has pushed back. The university has refused federal demands to review its student admissions and faculty hiring processes, calling the move a direct threat to academic freedom.
“Why cut off research funding? Sure, it hurts Harvard, but it hurts the country,” said Harvard President Alan Garber.

The crackdown extends beyond Harvard. An internal memo obtained by NBC News reveals that the State Department is suspending interviews for international student visa applicants, while simultaneously expanding its social media screening protocols.