Barack Obama has once again criticized Donald Trump, this time over the former president’s decision to withhold $2.3 billion in federal funding from Harvard University. The move came after Harvard rejected a list of demands from the Trump administration aimed at combating antisemitism on campus.
During a recent speech at Hamilton College, Obama made his stance clear, saying, “I have deep differences of opinion with my most immediate successor—who’s now president once again.” He emphasized his concerns over what he sees as an erosion of strong governmental principles under Trump’s leadership.
The Trump administration’s demands included sweeping changes to Harvard’s policies on hiring, admissions, and diversity programs. The university refused, arguing that the government was overstepping its bounds by trying to control academic freedom.
Obama quickly backed Harvard’s decision, praising the institution for standing up against what he called an “unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom.” The Department of Education, however, fired back, accusing Harvard of fostering an “entitlement mindset” among elite universities.
With tensions rising over free speech, academic independence, and political influence in education, this clash highlights the ongoing ideological divide between Obama and Trump.
