Trump Suggests Redirecting $3 Billion from Harvard to Trade Schools

Tone & Political Bias: Strongly Right-Leaning

Why: The narrative is driven by Trump’s statements that criticize Harvard as “antisemitic” and suggest the institution fosters “radicalized lunatics.” The post supports punitive action against elite academia while promoting trade schools.

Trump Proposes Funding Shift

President Donald Trump said Monday that he wants to divert $3 billion in federal grants from Harvard University to trade schools, framing the proposal as a necessary investment for the U.S.

“What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He accused Harvard of antisemitism but did not specify what grants would be affected, how the transfer would be implemented, or a timeline for any official move.

Rising Tensions Between Trump and Harvard

This is not the first clash between the president and Harvard. The latest escalation follows a series of actions Trump has taken against the university over the past several weeks:

• International Student Ban: Last week, the Trump administration attempted to block Harvard from accepting international students. Roughly 27% of Harvard’s student body are international students. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cited the university’s alleged failure to comply with a public records request as the basis.

• Court Blocks the Ban: A federal judge halted that ban on Friday, following legal pushback.

• Concerns Over Student Data: On Monday, Trump claimed Harvard has not submitted a list of international students, stating the administration is trying to determine "how many radicalized lunatics" should be denied re-entry into the U.S.

“We are still waiting for the Foreign Student Lists from Harvard... Harvard is very slow in the presentation of these documents, and probably for good reason!” Trump wrote.

Past Financial Measures Against Harvard

Trump’s latest remarks are part of a broader campaign targeting the university:

• April Funding Freeze: In April, Trump blocked $2.2 billion in federal grants from reaching Harvard after it refused to comply with administration demands related to admission, discipline, and governance policies.

• May Tax Exemption Threat: Earlier this month, Trump said he would move to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status. “It’s what they deserve!” he posted on social media.

• Legal Response: Harvard has responded with lawsuits against the administration. The university is challenging both the federal funding freeze and actions related to international students.

  
  

No Immediate Comments

As of Monday evening, neither Harvard nor the White House had provided official comments in response to Trump’s latest statements. The Department of Homeland Security has not released further details on the records request or the alleged non-compliance.

This evolving conflict between Trump and Harvard reflects broader cultural and political tensions surrounding elite academic institutions, immigration, and public funding priorities.