The News Agents - USA Why does Trump want to tear down Harvard?
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May 28, 2025 In this discussion, Ryan Enos, a political scientist from Harvard, and Mark Polymeropoulos, a former CIA field officer, dive into Donald Trump's battle against Harvard University. They explore Trump's push to reallocate federal funds and his broader assault on academic institutions, revealing potential threats to innovation and freedom. The conversation shifts to implications for foreign students and educational integrity. They also analyze Trump's stance on Russia and Ukraine, uncovering broader national security concerns and his complex ties with Putin.
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Trump's Control Over Harvard
- The Trump administration's attack on Harvard is driven by a desire to control its academic independence.
- Restricting student visas and social media vetting threatens America's global academic leadership.
Harvard Attack Insults Many
- Attacking Harvard insults its graduates, LGBTQ people, and tradespeople alike.
- Higher education is vital to America and global progress, and politicizing it harms society.
Authoritarian Patterns in Attack
- Trump’s attack on Harvard mirrors authoritarian patterns of undermining civil society.
- Accusations against Harvard lack basis and serve to weaken democratic institutions.