Obama Supports Harvard Amid Trump's 'Unlawful' Demands

President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw Harvard University's tax-exempt status and freeze its federal funding after the university rejected demands to limit campus activism and review diversity and inclusion programs. Trump accused Harvard of supporting 'political, ideological and terrorist inspired' policies and had already rescinded over $2 billion in grants. Harvard President Alan Garber responded by affirming the university's commitment to academic freedom, stating that no government should dictate what private universities can teach or whom they can admit. Former President Barack Obama publicly supported Harvard's stance, calling the administration's actions an 'unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom' and praising Harvard as an example for other higher education institutions. Obama urged other universities to uphold intellectual inquiry and mutual respect despite political pressure. The dispute highlights escalating tensions between the Trump administration and academic institutions over issues of free speech and campus activism.