Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Harvard Fights Back Against Federal Funding Freeze Threat

6/2/2025

29 2

Left

Garber Defends Academic Freedom

Harvard University is at a crossroads as the Trump administration threatens to strip its ability to enroll international students and has frozen over $3 billion in federal funding. President Alan Garber stands firm, championing academic freedom in a battle that underscores the growing tensions within U.S. higher education against a backdrop of rising authoritarianism.

Right

Maher Supports Trump

Bill Maher has thrown his support behind Donald Trump's campaign against Harvard University, condemning its response to anti-Israel protests. Trump has halted $3 billion in federal funding and suggested restricting international student admissions. Maher, a Cornell alum, labeled Harvard an "asshole factory," highlighting the widening rift in U.S. higher education amidst escalating political strife.

1 of 2

Garber Defends Academic Freedom

Harvard University is at a crossroads as the Trump administration threatens to strip its ability to enroll international students and has frozen over $3 billion in federal funding. President Alan Garber stands firm, championing academic freedom in a battle that underscores the growing tensions within U.S. higher education against a backdrop of rising authoritarianism.

1 / 2