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Defense Secretary Threatens Tuition Aid Over College Bias

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatens to withdraw tuition assistance for service members at colleges he deems biased against the military, beginning with Harvard University.
Critics, including lawmakers and military experts, say the move could harm officer recruitment and retention and undermine diversity of thought.
The Pentagon has not commented while lawmakers seek clarity on the implications of Hegseth's directive.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatens to withdraw tuition assistance for service members at colleges he deems biased against the military, beginning with Harvard University.
Critics, including lawmakers and military experts, say the move could harm officer recruitment and retention and undermine diversity of thought.
The Pentagon has not commented while lawmakers seek clarity on the implications of Hegseth's directive.