Radio Atlantic: Why Trump Wants to Control Universities
Published on April 3, 2025
Introduction
In the latest episode of Radio Atlantic titled "Why Trump Wants to Control Universities," host Hanna Rosen delves into the Trump administration’s strategic efforts to exert control over American higher education. Featuring insightful analysis from Adam Harris, a senior fellow at New America and a seasoned education correspondent for The Atlantic, the discussion unpacks the multifaceted attack on universities and its broader implications for American democracy.
The Current Assault on Universities
The episode opens with Hanna Rosen highlighting a series of high-profile incidents where federal authorities have targeted university students and faculty. Notably, graduate students Rumesa Ozchirk from Tufts University and Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University were arrested following the revocation of their student visas, under accusations of supporting illicit activities.
Hanna Rosen [00:06]: "Universities are all of a sudden breaking news... Other students targeted for deportation."
These actions extend beyond individual cases, with institutions like Georgetown and Harvard facing significant financial threats—$400 million from Columbia and $9 billion from Harvard, respectively. The administration justifies these measures by claiming efforts to combat antisemitism, preserve women's sports, and eliminate racial preferences.
Historical and International Parallels: Hungary and Orban's Playbook
Adam Harris draws parallels between the Trump administration’s tactics and those employed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Referencing Christopher Rufo's dispatch, "Orban's War," Harris explains how Orban successfully reshaped Hungarian institutions to create a conservative elite, a strategy now mirrored in the United States.
Adam Harris [02:47]: "Orban undertook this effort to reshape institutions... to create a sort of conservative elite."
Rufo’s insights served as a roadmap for American conservatives aiming to reclaim control over cultural and educational institutions, pushing back against what they perceive as the liberal overreach within universities.
The Role of Christopher Rufo and the Anti-DEI Movement
Christopher Rufo emerges as a pivotal figure in this movement. A conservative activist who scrutinized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, Rufo's critiques gained traction during the Trump administration, culminating in targeted executive actions against universities.
Adam Harris [05:19]: "Rufo started writing blog posts that examined DEI... By September of 2020, his ideas reached President Trump."
These efforts laid the groundwork for the administration's aggressive stance on higher education, framing DEI initiatives as discriminatory and reverse racism.
Targeted Actions Against Elite Institutions: Columbia as a Case Study
Columbia University stands out as the primary target, becoming a symbol of perceived institutional failures. The administration’s swift removal of $400 million in funding, without the customary lengthy investigations, signals a departure from standard procedures.
Adam Harris [07:08]: "Columbia has become the sort of poster child... receiving a big hit on their funding."
This aggressive approach serves as a warning to other elite institutions, effectively pressuring them to conform or face similar financial repercussions.
The Mechanics of Federal Funding Threats
Federal funding is a lifeline for universities, encompassing Title IV funds, federal grants, and other subsidies essential for operations. The administration leverages the threat of funding cuts to enforce compliance, bypassing traditional investigative processes.
Adam Harris [10:34]: "These timelines just don't necessarily comport with the way things are done, but they also don't comport with a proper or legitimate investigation."
By imposing specific guidelines—such as placing academic departments under receivership or restricting speech—the administration undermines academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
The Impact on University Autonomy and Culture
The imposition of strict regulations threatens the foundational principles of higher education: shared governance, academic freedom, and free speech. Universities are pressured to align their curricula and policies with conservative mandates, stifling intellectual diversity and critical discourse.
Adam Harris [12:39]: "When you start restricting speech in one manner, that sort of means you can restrict speech in a lot of different spaces."
This erosion of autonomy not only limits academic freedom but also undermines the democratic values that universities are meant to uphold.
Responses from University Leadership
In the face of mounting pressure, university presidents exhibit varying responses. Many opt for a "keep your head down" approach, avoiding public confrontation to protect their institutions from further reprisals. Smaller and public institutions, in particular, find themselves navigating a precarious balance between compliance and resistance.
Adam Harris [23:47]: "A lot of presidents are in sort of a keep your head down... trying to avoid being noticed."
The lack of unified resistance stems from the fear of losing essential funding, making collective action challenging.
The Vision of a Conservative Elite and Its Implications
The ultimate goal behind these strategies appears to be the establishment of a conservative elite within higher education. Institutions like Hillsdale College and the College of the Ozarks are touted as models for this new paradigm, emphasizing patriotic education and traditional values.
Adam Harris [27:11]: "There are institutions that they point to as examples of what a college should be... every student is required to take a patriotic education course."
This vision seeks to reshape the intellectual landscape, promoting a narrow set of ideologies and limiting the pluralism that characterizes academic environments.
Conclusion: The Future of Higher Education and Democratic Principles
The episode concludes with a reflection on the precarious state of higher education under the Trump administration's policies. Adam Harris underscores the importance of university leaders standing firm to preserve the core principles of academia and, by extension, democracy itself.
Adam Harris [26:40]: "If higher education doesn't believe in the principles that it was founded on, then institutional leaders should remain silent."
Host Hanna Rosen reinforces the call to action, emphasizing the need for collective resilience among university administrations to safeguard the integrity and openness that define higher education.
Hanna Rosen [29:43]: "Holding out hope that some group of university presidents stand up for what a university is."
Notable Quotes
- Hanna Rosen [00:06]: "Universities are all of a sudden breaking news..."
- Adam Harris [02:47]: "Orban undertook this effort to reshape institutions... to create a sort of conservative elite."
- Adam Harris [05:19]: "Rufo started writing blog posts that examined DEI... By September of 2020, his ideas reached President Trump."
- Adam Harris [07:08]: "Columbia has become the sort of poster child... receiving a big hit on their funding."
- Adam Harris [10:34]: "These timelines just don't necessarily comport with the way things are done, but they also don't comport with a proper or legitimate investigation."
- Adam Harris [12:39]: "When you start restricting speech in one manner, that sort of means you can restrict speech in a lot of different spaces."
- Adam Harris [23:47]: "A lot of presidents are in sort of a keep your head down... trying to avoid being noticed."
- Adam Harris [27:11]: "There are institutions that they point to as examples of what a college should be... every student is required to take a patriotic education course."
- Adam Harris [26:40]: "If higher education doesn't believe in the principles that it was founded on, then institutional leaders should remain silent."
- Hanna Rosen [29:43]: "Holding out hope that some group of university presidents stand up for what a university is."
Final Thoughts
"Why Trump Wants to Control Universities" offers a comprehensive examination of the administration's calculated efforts to dominate higher education. By drawing on historical parallels, expert analysis, and real-world examples, the episode underscores the existential threat these policies pose to academic freedom and democratic values. As universities navigate this turbulent landscape, the episode serves as a clarion call for resilience and steadfast adherence to the foundational principles of education and democracy.