The right-wing conspiracy behind Trump’s war on Harvard

In 2021, far-right blogger Curtis Yarvin, who advocates for replacing American democracy with a dictatorship, appeared on a podcast with former Trump official Michael Anton. They discussed how a hypothetical “American Caesar” could seize power if elected president. Yarvin agreed that institutions like Harvard and the New York Times could not continue to exist past April. Recently, Harvard has come under attack from the Trump administration, with President Donald Trump revoking federal research funding and considering further actions like revoking nonprofit status and targeting its international student certifications.

This assault on Harvard is part of a broader attack by the Trump administration on elite universities and progressive institutions deemed as enemies. This strategy aims to force liberal institutions to conform to the right’s ideology or face consequences. While Harvard is prepared to resist, the long-term impact on the relationship between academia and the federal government could be significant.

Trump’s targeting of universities aligns with a strategy advocated by some on the right who believe that elite universities are influencing American youth with far-left ideologies. Recent events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Israel-Gaza conflict, have made universities more vulnerable to right-wing attacks. The Trump administration’s efforts to combat “wokeness” and anti-Semitism on campuses have escalated the confrontation with universities like Harvard.

While Trump’s tactics may harm Harvard in the short term, the university has legal avenues to challenge these actions. Harvard’s reputation may even benefit from standing up against the administration’s attacks. However, the broader implications for universities relying on federal funding are concerning, as future Republican administrations could continue this trend.

The battle between Trump and elite universities like Harvard reflects a larger ideological struggle over cultural influence. While the outcome remains uncertain, the conflict underscores the growing rift between academia and conservative forces in American society.