Pentagon to Cut Funding for All Harvard Military Training Programs
"I am discontinuing all graduate-level professional military education ... all fellowships and certificate programs between Harvard University and The War Department for active duty servicemembers," Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said in a video statement.
The decision represents the latest clash between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution over contentious political issues, including the Israel-Hamas war and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
"University leadership encouraged a campus environment that celebrated Hamas, allowed attacks on Jews, and still promotes discrimination based on race in violation of Supreme Court decisions," said Hegseth.
Hegseth further argued that Harvard's alleged anti-military posture disqualifies the institution from receiving taxpayer dollars.
"Today, this university... which receives billions of our federal tax dollars, is one of the red hot centers of Hate America activism," said Hegseth. "Too many faculty members openly loathe our military. They cast our armed forces in a negative light and squelch anyone who challenges their leftist political leanings, all while charging enormous tuition. It's not worth it."
The defunding will take effect during the 2026-27 academic year. Service members currently pursuing coursework will be permitted to complete their studies.
Harvard has previously taken legal action against the Trump administration over attempts to freeze federal grants to the university, but this latest announcement extends beyond the Cambridge institution alone.
Hegseth indicated the army, navy and air force "will evaluate all existing graduate programs for active duty servicemembers at all Ivy League universities and other civilian universities."
Additionally, Hegseth stated the Pentagon will prioritize cultivating combat-ready personnel and "maximizing taxpayer value in building lethality to establish deterrence."
"That no longer includes spending millions of dollars on expensive universities that actively undercut our mission and undercut our country," said Hegseth.
"We train warriors, not wokesters. Harvard, good riddance," he added.
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