Trump criticizes American universities: "They have been corrupted by anti-American ideologies"

U.S. President Donald Trump attacked American universities, stating that "a large part of them has lost its way and has been corrupted by anti-American ideologies," pledging to launch radical reforms to bring "merit and hard work back to the heart of American education."

In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that his administration would take strict action against institutions that practice illegal discrimination based on race or gender, adding that "a new golden age of higher education" will begin with universities that comply with federal laws and sign cooperation agreements with the government.

Threats to freeze funding and investigate Harvard

The Trump administration indicated its intention to freeze federal funding for several universities, led by Harvard University, due to what it described as "ideological bias" and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, in addition to the pro-Palestine protests that swept the campus last year.

The administration also announced an investigation into $8.7 billion in grants received by the university, to ensure compliance with civil rights laws, while the Internal Revenue Service is considering revoking Harvard's tax exemption.

Academic rejection and judicial escalation

For its part, Harvard University rejected Trump's demands for internal changes, while several of its professors filed lawsuits against the federal administration's decision to open the investigation, considering it a political intervention in the independence of educational institutions.

Background of the protests

This escalation comes after widespread protests that took place at American universities since April 2024, starting at Columbia University and spreading to more than 50 universities, in support of Palestine and the Gaza Strip, resulting in the detention of more than 3,100 students and faculty members.