Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Harvard University in a new social media post as the school moves forward with legal action against his administration. The conflict is part of a wider debate on university funding and campus free speech in the United States.
Trump recently signed a new executive order that could affect how billions in federal funds are distributed to colleges. Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit, saying the move is politically motivated and threatens academic freedom.
Harvard Sues Over New Federal Grant Rules
On Monday, Harvard filed a lawsuit challenging new government rules linked to university funding. The school argues that the Trump administration is using financial pressure to influence how colleges are run. It says the changes are a form of political control over independent institutions.
The lawsuit asks the court to stop the rules from being enforced. It also claims that the new conditions for receiving grants and student loans are unfair and unlawful.
Trump Responds on Truth Social
After news of the lawsuit broke, Trump reacted online. In a post on his platform Truth Social, he called Harvard a liberal institution and complained about the number of international students it accepts. He suggested that many of these students do not support American values.
The post has sparked wide discussion, with some supporting Trump’s concerns about university policies and others warning against government interference in education.
Executive Order Changes Funding Rules
Trump’s executive order, signed on Sunday, changes how federal agencies decide which schools qualify for grants and student aid. The order focuses on stopping what Trump calls unlawful discrimination in college admissions and hiring practices.
The order targets diversity programs that promote the inclusion of racial and ethnic minority groups. Schools will now have to show that such programs do not violate anti-discrimination laws if they want to continue receiving federal money.
National Impact on Higher Education
Experts say the new policy could affect colleges and universities across the country. Schools that depend on federal funds for research, scholarships, and operations may now be at risk.
Some legal scholars believe the case could go to the Supreme Court. They say the outcome may decide how much control the federal government can have over schools in the future.
Educators and Civil Rights Groups Push Back
The executive order has received criticism from education groups and civil rights organizations. Many believe the policy could limit free speech and reduce opportunities for minority students.
Some groups warn that schools might stop supporting diversity programs to avoid losing funding. They say this could reverse progress made in creating more inclusive learning environments.
Foreign Students Could Be Affected
Trump’s criticism of foreign students has raised concern in the academic community. Universities rely on international students not just for tuition, but also for the value they bring to classrooms and research programs.
In 2024, more than 900,000 international students were enrolled at U.S. colleges. Their presence added over 30 billion dollars to the economy, according to official data.
University leaders say policies that target these students could hurt both schools and the economy in the long term.
Court Case May Set New Precedent
The case between Harvard and the Trump administration is expected to move forward quickly. Both sides have requested early hearings. Harvard hopes the court will block the order while the legal process continues.
