Barack Obama has criticized the Trump administration after it clashed with Harvard University over antisemitism policies. Speaking at Hamilton College, Obama expressed “deep differences” with Trump, accusing his administration of eroding core democratic principles.
The dispute began when Trump’s Department of Education froze $2.3 billion in federal funds to Harvard after the school rejected demands to shut down diversity programs and change hiring and admissions policies. Harvard called the demands an attempt to control academic freedom.
Obama praised Harvard for standing its ground, calling the administration’s actions “unlawful” and “ham-handed.” He urged other universities to defend intellectual freedom and resist political overreach.
The Education Department fired back, accusing Harvard of an “entitlement mindset.”
