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Trump Administration, Led by Education Secretary McMahon, Targets Harvard and University of Washington Over Antisemitism Amid Criticism from MIT’s Reif

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Published May 7, 2025, 06:04 PM

The Trump administration has initiated a series of actions targeting several leading U.S. universities, including Harvard University and the University of Washington, over concerns related to antisemitism and campus policies. The administration has threatened to cut federal funding to Harvard, accusing the institution of fostering an environment hostile to Jewish students and contrary to American ideals. Harvard President Alan Garber has publicly opposed these measures, describing the administration's actions as "highly illegal." Education Secretary Linda McMahon framed the issue as a civil rights concern, emphasizing that the administration is not attempting to dictate university governance but is addressing antisemitism. In parallel, the administration has opened an investigation into antisemitic activities at the University of Washington following protests. These moves have drawn criticism from academic leaders, including former MIT President L. Rafael Reif, who warned that the administration's policies risk undermining scientific discovery, technological innovation, and the U.S.'s position as a global leader in science and technology. Critics argue that weakening university-defense research partnerships and reducing federal support for university research could have long-term strategic consequences amid growing geopolitical threats. Harvard, the oldest and wealthiest U.S. university, is actively resisting the administration's efforts to reshape higher education, highlighting a broader conflict between the federal government and academic institutions over campus culture and funding.

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#Trump #Harvard University #University of Washington #Harvard #Jewish #American #Alan Garber #Linda McMahon #MIT

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Sources

foreignaffairs.com(6)wsj.com(2)hhs.gov jewishinsider.com

Steven Sinofsky

@stevesi

ED, HHS, and GSA Initiate Review of Anti-Semitic Activity at the University of Washington https://t.co/Ww201e9Rhs https://t.co/LKeiooP137

Rep. Claudia Tenney

@RepTenney

Harvard is not above the law. By ending federal funding, the Trump administration is setting a strong precedent that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated on any college campus. https://t.co/ruvW46kLYU

Sara Eisen

@SaraEisen

Listen to @EDSecMcMahon on why she sent a new letter to Harvard and how she responds to critics who’s say that it’s “illegal” and “dictatorial” https://t.co/Up8QEah6DA

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