FT News Briefing Swamp Notes: Trump takes on higher ed
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May 10, 2025 
Join Andrew Jack, the FT's Global Education Editor, and Myles McCormick, Acting Washington Correspondent, as they dissect Trump's ongoing battle against elite universities. Harvard's dramatic funding loss for rejecting federal demands takes the spotlight, along with Columbia's struggle despite compliance. They explore the potential repercussions for more institutions, the Republican Party’s broader campaign against higher education, and the financial implications of these conflicts on student access and innovation.
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Trump Targets Elite Universities
- Harvard lost $2.3 billion in federal funding due to refusal to comply with Trump administration demands on admissions and DEI policies.
- Columbia complied but still lost $400 million, highlighting a tough stance on elite universities perceived as "woke."
Elite Universities in MAGA Crosshairs
- MAGA activists fueled claims of anti-Semitism on campuses, especially targeting Harvard, Penn, and Columbia.
- These universities represent elite institutions with influence, causing political friction with more conservative US regions.
Federal Grants Fuel Research
- Federal funding largely supports research, especially in medicine and sciences, critical for innovation and the US economy.
- Harvard's large $53 billion endowment can't easily replace this funding due to donor restrictions and commitments to financial aid.