Fresh Air: The Face-Off Between Harvard & The Trump Administration Hosted by NPR's Terry Gross
Release Date: June 4, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross delves into the escalating conflict between Harvard University and the Trump Administration. The confrontation centers around allegations of antisemitism on Harvard's campus, leading to significant financial repercussions and legal battles. Gross is joined by Noah Feldman, a Harvard Law Professor specializing in constitutional studies and the First Amendment, to unpack the complexities of this high-stakes dispute.

Trump's Accusations Against Harvard

President Donald Trump has been vocally critical of Harvard, accusing the institution of fostering an environment rife with antisemitism and discrimination. In his remarks from the previous week, Trump stated:

“Harvard is treating our country with great disrespect, and all they're doing is getting in deeper and deeper and deeper. They've got to behave themselves. You know, I'm looking out for the country and for Harvard. I want Harvard to do well. I want Harvard to be great again, probably.”
(00:33)

He further emphasized his stance by claiming that Harvard's actions were harming both the university and the nation's interests:

“The last thing I want to do is hurt them. They're hurting themselves. They're fighting... Harvard wants to fight. They want to show how smart they are, and they're getting their ass kicked.”
(00:51)

Financial Strain and Administrative Actions

In response to these accusations, the Trump Administration has taken concrete steps against Harvard:

• Freezing Grants and Contracts: Between $2.5 billion and $3 billion in Harvard's grants and contracts have been frozen, with intentions to cancel any remaining financial agreements.

• Enrollment Restrictions: Efforts are underway to prevent Harvard from enrolling foreign students, a move that could severely impact the university's diversity and academic standing.

• Tax Exempt Status: The administration is pushing to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, further straining the institution's finances.

These actions are part of a broader strategy by the Trump Administration to target higher education institutions that it perceives as not aligning with its policies and values.

Legal Battle: Harvard vs. Trump Administration

Harvard has responded by initiating a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, challenging the legality and constitutionality of the administration's actions. Feldman provides insight into Harvard's legal stance:

“The Trump administration is explicitly trying to violate our free speech rights. And that's unconstitutional and unlawful.”
(08:24)

Harvard's lawsuit argues that the administration's attempts to influence the university's policies and academic freedoms constitute an unconstitutional condition, where the government leverages funding to impose its beliefs on an independent institution.

Campus Climate and Community Impact

The tensions have significantly affected the Harvard community. Feldman notes a stark contrast between the campus atmosphere during last year's protests and the current unifying stance:

“Donald Trump's assault on the university has led to a deep unification of the campus. And that's an important transformation from a year ago.”
(03:32)

Moreover, the conflict has deepened divisions within the American Jewish community, reflecting broader societal splits. Feldman discusses the generational divides among Jews regarding support for Israel and responses to antisemitism, highlighting how these tensions play out within familial and communal settings.

Defining Antisemitism: Harvard vs. Trump Administration

A critical aspect of the dispute revolves around the definition of antisemitism. Harvard adheres to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, which Feldman describes as generally acceptable but notes complexities in distinguishing legitimate criticism of Israel from antisemitic rhetoric.

Trump's administration, however, appears to conflate criticisms of Harvard with broader antisemitic motives, using accusations of antisemitism as a tool to undermine the university without addressing actual incidents of hate or discrimination.

Trump's Motives and Broader Implications

Feldman interprets Trump's actions as part of a larger agenda to weaken democratic institutions and suppress independent voices that oppose his administration's viewpoints:

“Universities are a place for the preservation of free expression, free ideas, and free beliefs. They've always been that. And so in any country where someone is trying to break that norm of freedom, the universities are a very important target.”
(07:14)

He warns that if Trump's actions against Harvard were to be upheld in court, it would set a dangerous precedent threatening free speech and academic independence nationwide.

Impact on International Students

The administration's attempt to block foreign students from enrolling at Harvard has ramifications beyond the university:

“International students are among the best people in the whole world... If those people couldn't come and study here, we're literally cutting off our nose to spite our face.”
(17:13)

This move not only harms Harvard's reputation and diversity but also undermines the United States' position as a global leader in education and research.

Noah Feldman's Perspectives on Judaism

Beyond the legal and political battle, Feldman shares personal insights from his book, "To Be a Jew: A New Guide to God, Israel, and the Jewish People". He explores the evolving identity of Jewish individuals, highlighting the internal and generational debates within the community regarding Israel and social justice.

Feldman emphasizes the legitimate, protected nature of expressing views, even those critical of Israel, within the framework of free speech:

“If I'm wearing a button or a scarf pointing out my views, that is core to my free speech rights.”
(35:26)

He also discusses the importance of distinguishing between anti-Jewish sentiments and legitimate criticism of Israeli policies, advocating for a nuanced understanding of antisemitism.

Conclusion

The confrontation between Harvard and the Trump Administration epitomizes a broader struggle over academic freedom, free speech, and the role of higher education in a democratic society. As the legal battle unfolds, the implications extend beyond Harvard, potentially reshaping the landscape of American higher education and free expression.

Noah Feldman's expert analysis provides a critical lens through which to understand the intricate dynamics at play, underscoring the vital importance of protecting independent institutions from political overreach.

For more insights and in-depth discussions, subscribe to Fresh Air Plus and join the weekly Fresh Air Weekly newsletter at www.whyy.org/freshair.