Barack Obama has thrown his support behind Harvard University after Donald Trump’s administration froze $2.3 billion in federal funding. The drastic measure followed Harvard’s refusal to comply with a list of demands, including scrapping diversity programs and changing admissions policies.
Obama, who has frequently clashed with Trump, didn’t mince words in his latest remarks. “There are policies where I have strong opinions,” he said, alluding to his opposition to Trump’s tactics. He later commended Harvard for rejecting what he called an “unlawful” power grab.
Harvard President Alan Garber defended the decision, stating that while the university is committed to fighting antisemitism, it won’t allow the government to dictate its academic policies. The Department of Education fired back, accusing Harvard of elitism.
The standoff highlights the deepening divide over free speech, government overreach, and the role of politics in education—with Obama and Trump once again on opposite sides.
