Obama takes brutal

Barack Obama has criticized Donald Trump once again, this time over the Trump administration’s recent conflict with Harvard University. During a speech at Hamilton College, Obama expressed concerns about the government’s weakening commitment to core values. He referred to Trump’s approach as a threat to democratic principles and academic freedom. This came after the U.S. Department of Education froze $2.3 billion in federal funds for Harvard, following the university’s refusal to comply with Trump’s demands — which included dismantling DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs and allowing the government greater control over hiring and academic policies.

Harvard rejected these conditions, arguing that while some measures were framed as efforts to combat antisemitism, most represented an overreach into the university’s intellectual autonomy. In response, Obama praised Harvard on social media for resisting what he described as an unlawful effort to undermine academic freedom, urging other institutions to do the same. The Trump administration, however, accused Harvard of entitlement and insisted that the reforms were necessary. The situation has sparked protests, especially around additional proposed policies like banning face masks — seen as targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators — and enforcing merit-based admissions and hiring standards.