Economist Podcasts Ivy beleaguer: Harvard hung out to dry
38 snips
May 28, 2025 
John Brito, a United States editor focusing on politics, joins Piotr Zalewski, a writer covering Poland, to unpack significant political currents. They discuss the Trump administration's attempts to influence higher education, particularly at Harvard, exploring funding threats and their broader implications. The conversation shifts to Poland's political landscape as it gears up for crucial elections, emphasizing the impact of young voters and international dynamics, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. Expect a lively dialogue on these pressing global issues!
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Trump's Harvard Funding Tactics
- The Trump administration targets Harvard with funding cuts and visa restrictions to exert control over higher education.
- Though Harvard has a huge endowment, federal science funding cuts threaten research and signal broader impacts on American science.
Unclear Motives Behind Harvard Pressure
- Harvard faces pressure for alleged anti-Semitism and ties to China, though these claims are disputed and complex.
- The administration escalates demands to Harvard, with unclear precise goals beyond exerting power.
Endowment Restrictions Limit Harvard Response
- Harvard's large endowment is restricted to donor-specified uses, so government funding cuts cannot be replaced easily.
- Legal battles and reduced international applicants also negatively affect Harvard despite its wealth.
