Post Reports: Trump vs. Harvard – Episode Summary

Published on May 28, 2025, by The Washington Post

Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi
Reporter: Colby Ikowicz
Guest: Danielle Douglas Gabriel, Higher Education Reporter
Featured Student: Carl Molden, International Student at Harvard

Introduction: The Clash Between Harvard and the Trump Administration

In the May 28, 2025 episode of Post Reports, Colby Ikowicz delves into the escalating conflict between former President Donald Trump’s administration and Harvard University. This confrontation has significant implications for international students and the broader landscape of higher education in the United States.

Carl Molden’s Harvard Journey and Sudden Uncertainty

The episode opens with Colby Ikowicz sharing the personal story of Carl Molden, an international student from Vienna, Austria, who celebrates his acceptance into Harvard University:

Carl Molden [00:08]: "It was the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life."

Carl, studying government and multiple languages, exemplifies the caliber of international students at Harvard—over 6,000 of whom comprise more than a quarter of the student body. However, Carl’s optimism is shattered when he receives distressing news about the Trump administration’s latest move against Harvard:

Carl Molden [01:00]: "My phone exploded on my desk. All my group chats were full of messages and concerned students. And then I saw it and Noah was shocked."

The Trump Administration’s Move Against Harvard

Danielle Douglas Gabriel explains the specific actions taken by the Trump administration:

Danielle Douglas Gabriel [02:38]: "The Trump administration is ordering the Department of Homeland Security to revoke a certain certification that colleges need in order to enroll international students... Harvard could no longer enroll foreign students and exist."

The administration alleges that international students are involved in pro-terrorist activities, particularly through participation in pro-Palestinian protests and opinion pieces. This broad accusation lacks substantiated evidence, as international students like Carl assert they are no more active than their American counterparts in such activities.

Trump’s Disparaging Remarks About International Students

A notable low point in the administration’s rhetoric comes with Trump’s unfounded comments questioning the intelligence of international students:

Donald Trump [05:58]: "These students can't add two and two. And they go to Harvard, they want remedial math and they're going to teach remedial math at Harvard."

These remarks are quickly countered by Carl Molden, who defends the integrity and ambitions of international students:

Carl Molden [06:25]: "They come in to become doctors, nurses, engineers, visionaries. They want to do something about climate change."

Harvard’s Robust Response and Legal Battle

Harvard swiftly responds to the administration’s threats by filing a lawsuit, successfully securing an injunction that temporarily blocks the DHS from enforcing the enrollment ban:

Danielle Douglas Gabriel [02:38]: "Within a few hours of filing the lawsuit, they were able to secure an injunction that blocks Department of Homeland Security from following through on its threat."

Despite Harvard's financial robustness, Danielle highlights the complexities of relying on endowments to counteract federal pressures:

Danielle Douglas Gabriel [10:43]: "A lot of endowments are restricted funds... They have to think about keeping that fund to help with the operations of the schools in perpetuity."

Political and Ideological Motivations Behind the Attack

Danielle further elucidates the political and ideological underpinnings of the administration’s actions:

Danielle Douglas Gabriel [15:56]: "This feels very political and it certainly does feel ideological... It's very much about ending diversity, equity and inclusion, which is a big policy agenda for the Trump administration."

Harvard’s President, Alan Garber, also voices confusion over the administration’s actions:

Alan Garber [17:24]: "What is perplexing is the measures that they have taken to address these that don't even hit the same people that they believe are causing the problems."

Implications for Higher Education and Future Prospects

The episode explores the potential chilling effects on other institutions of higher education:

Danielle Douglas Gabriel [18:05]: "This is not a position that the federal government has tried to put itself in recent history, if ever... That's the threat that everyone's really fearful of if they can do this to Harvard."

Carl Molden emphasizes the pivotal role Harvard plays as a beacon for higher education:

Carl Molden [19:52]: "What Harvard does right now is super crucial in this country... If Harvard also caves in, then who else will do it?"

The Uncertain Future for International Students

Concluding the discussion, Danielle addresses the precarious situation facing international students:

Danielle Douglas Gabriel [24:56]: "This effort could really undermine that and create that chilling effect where students don't want to come."

Carl shares the anxiety and confusion among his peers:

Carl Molden [23:36]: "Nobody really knows how to act. And I think there's a lot of chaos... the word that probably describes the situation best is confusion."

Conclusion: A Battle for the Future of Higher Education

The episode underscores the broader ramifications of the Trump administration’s actions against Harvard. It raises critical questions about the independence of higher education from political influence and the future of international students in the United States. As universities grapple with these challenges, the outcome of this high-profile battle will likely set precedents affecting institutions nationwide.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Carl Molden [00:08]: "It was the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life."

• Carl Molden [01:00]: "My phone exploded on my desk. All my group chats were full of messages and concerned students. And then I saw it and Noah was shocked."

• Donald Trump [05:58]: "These students can't add two and two..."

• Danielle Douglas Gabriel [15:56]: "This feels very political and it certainly does feel ideological..."

Final Thoughts:

Post Reports masterfully navigates the intricate dynamics between political power and academic freedom, showcasing personal stories like Carl Molden’s to highlight the human impact of political decisions. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that institutions like Harvard play in fostering global talent and innovation.