President Donald Trump’s latest move against Harvard University is a bold jab at the Ivy League’s ivory tower. He’s threatening to yank $3 billion in federal grants from the school and redirect them to trade schools across America. It’s a classic Trump play—shake up the elites, champion the working class.

According to Newsmax, Trump aired his plan on Truth Social on May 26, slamming Harvard for alleged antisemitism and its failure to provide lists of foreign students. This follows a judge’s ruling on May 23, 2025 that blocked the administration’s attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students. The clash is heating up, and Harvard’s feeling the pinch.

The administration’s been flexing its muscle, having already frozen $3 billion in Harvard’s federal grants in recent weeks. These funds, mostly from the National Institutes of Health, fuel biomedical research—work that trade schools don’t typically touch. Harvard is crying foul, claiming the cuts are an unconstitutional attack on free speech.

Escalating Tensions With Harvard

Trump’s grievances aren’t new; he’s long targeted schools over diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and anti-Israel protests. The administration’s latest salvo included letters from agencies like the NIH and the Department of Defense, revoking nearly all of Harvard’s federal grants. The stated reason? The grants no longer align with “agency priorities.”

Harvard, home to nearly 6,800 international students—27% of its enrollment—relies heavily on their tuition revenue. The judge’s May 23 ruling offered temporary relief to over 7,000 visa holders facing potential transfer. Without that, the university would’ve been in chaos.

Trump’s not stopping at funding cuts; he’s proposed ending Harvard’s tax-exempt status and hiking taxes on its endowment. He’s also probing whether the university discriminates against “white, Asian, male, or straight” employees or applicants. Harvard insists its hiring and admissions comply with the law, but the pressure’s on.

Trump’s Social Media Offensive

“I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard,” Trump posted on Truth Social. That’s a zinger aimed at Harvard’s progressive halo, though it sidesteps the complexity of redirecting research funds. Trade schools, vital as they are, aren’t equipped for NIH-level biomedical work.

Trump also demanded Harvard hand over foreign student lists, claiming he needs to weed out “radicalized lunatics, troublemakers all.” It’s a provocative stance, but the administration is batting zero after the judge’s ruling. Actions have consequences, and Harvard’s not budging easily.

“Harvard is very slow in the presentation of these documents, and probably for good reason!” Trump wrote, hinting at a conspiracy while praising his team’s eventual victory. The jab at Harvard’s “best Judge” shopping feels like vintage Trump theater. But the courts aren’t playing along—yet.

Harvard’s Legal Pushback

Harvard is fighting back, calling the administration’s attempt to block foreign student enrollment a “blatant violation” of the Constitution. The university argues the policy would devastate its operations and harm thousands of visa holders. It’s a high-stakes legal brawl, and Harvard’s not backing down.

The university’s lawsuit to restore the frozen $3 billion argues the cuts are unlawful and punitive. Biomedical research, funded through a rigorous NIH process, doesn’t just vanish—it’s years of work by scientists, not bureaucrats. Redirecting that to trade schools sounds bold but ignores practical realities.

Harvard’s silence on Trump’s latest Truth Social tirade speaks volumes. The university didn’t respond to comment requests on May 26, and the White House stayed mum on how it plans to legally reallocate the funds. The silence suggests both sides are digging in for a long fight.

Trade Schools in the Spotlight

Trump’s push for trade schools resonates with his base, who see elite universities as out-of-touch bastions of woke ideology. Vocational training could use a boost—trade schools produce skilled workers America desperately needs. But siphoning off research grants to fund them is like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.

The administration’s investigation into Harvard’s hiring practices adds another layer to this saga. Allegations of discrimination against certain groups could fuel the narrative that Harvard’s lost its way. Yet, without hard evidence, it risks looking like a political witch hunt.

This battle’s far from over, with Harvard’s endowment, international students, and research funding all in the crosshairs. Trump’s betting his tough talk will rally support, but the courts and logistics may temper his ambitions. For now, it’s a high-stakes showdown between a populist president and an academic giant.