The Opinions Is There a Smart Way to Cede Power to Donald Trump?
8 snips
Aug 5, 2025 
Emily Bazelon, a New York Times Opinion writer known for her insights on affirmative action, and Binyamin Appelbaum, who focuses on elite universities' societal impact, dive deep into university agreements with the Trump administration. They discuss how these deals affect academic freedom and student protests, raising alarms about governmental overreach. The conversation also touches on the delicate balance institutions must maintain between political pressures and educational integrity, especially amid shifting presidential policies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Universities in Trump Crosshairs
- The Trump administration used the Gaza war protests as a pretext to attack elite universities it already opposed.
- This reflects broader conservative dissatisfaction with progressive campus cultures beyond just the war-related issues.
Universities' Unique Dependency
- Ivy League universities have a unique public-private relationship with the federal government due to significant research funding.
- This makes them vulnerable to political pressure unlike typical private institutions like law firms.
Government Leverage on Universities
- Universities face enormous government leverage threatening research funds, tax status, accreditation, and visas.
- This leverage creates a power imbalance forcing them to consider settlements even if they argue the administration's actions are illegal.
