U.S. President Donald Trump has recently said he is thinking about taking back $3 billion in grant money given to Harvard University and instead giving it to trade schools across the United States. This move has started a fresh round of tension between the White House and one of the country’s top universities.
Why Trump Wants to Move the Money
President Trump shared his thoughts on his social media platform, Truth Social. He said that the money would be more useful in helping trade schools, where students learn hands-on skills like carpentry, plumbing, welding, and electrical work. He believes this could help working-class Americans more than supporting elite universities like Harvard.
According to reports, this $3 billion was originally set aside by Congress to support health and science research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Trade schools usually don’t conduct this kind of research, which has made the move very controversial.
Harvard Fights Back in Court
Harvard has already gone to court after Trump froze the $3 billion in funding. The university is trying to get the money restored, saying the funds are meant to support important medical and scientific studies. So far, Harvard hasn’t made any public comments about the President’s latest announcement.
While the White House hasn’t said exactly which funds will be redirected, most of this grant money goes toward biomedical research—something trade schools aren’t equipped to handle.
Foreign Student Admissions Also Under Threat
In another recent move, the Trump administration tried to stop Harvard from admitting international students. However, a U.S. judge blocked this policy for now. The judge’s decision gives temporary relief to more than 7,000 international students at Harvard.
The university argued that this policy would have a major negative effect not just on students, but on Harvard’s education system as a whole. They said it would violate the U.S. Constitution and federal laws.
Harvard has nearly 6,800 international students enrolled this year, making up 27% of its total student body.
Harvard and Trump: A Growing Political Clash
This is not the first time President Trump has clashed with Harvard. In recent weeks, his administration has proposed removing the university’s tax-free status, raising taxes on its large endowment fund, and even investigating it for possible civil rights violations.
Trump and many of his Republican supporters have often said that elite universities like Harvard are politically biased and don’t support conservative views. This new move to take away funding is seen as part of a bigger plan to push back against powerful institutions that don’t align with his policies.
What’s at Stake for Education?
If President Trump goes through with this plan, trade schools might receive a huge boost. But many experts are warning that taking away funds from scientific research could hurt innovation, healthcare, and higher education.
This also raises serious questions about academic freedom, the role of politics in education, and the future of international students in the U.S.