Trump's fresh attack on Harvard: Confronting Ivy League with working-class opposition
In a recent development, President Donald Trump has announced plans to shift the focus of federal research funding from elite institutions like Harvard University towards trade schools nationwide. Trump outlined this proposal on his Truth Social platform, stating that $3 billion in research funding cut from Harvard could be allocated to vocational schools, promising, "What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!"
At the White House on Wednesday, Trump informed reporters that this investment could elevate trade schools to become the best in the world. Confirmation as to how the proposal would materialize, where the funds would come from, and the plan's distribution is yet to be clarified, as the Trump administration has yet to respond to questions regarding the matter.
While the feasibility of the plan remains uncertain, some education experts view Trump's maneuver as a strategic move. Nat Malkus, Deputy Director of Education Policy at the American Enterprise Institute, explained, "Politically, it's incredibly effective. He communicates in a very clear manner on Truth Social, making it clear that his favor lies not with the elite cosmopolitans at Harvard but with everyday Americans."
Trump has long criticized elite colleges, accusing them of being out-of-touch institutions that fail to assist students in managing debt. Harvard, in particular, has been a frequent target of Trump's ire, even before the recent controversy surrounding allegations of antisemitism and demands for reforms in student admission and faculty hiring. When Harvard refused these demands, the administration slashed nearly $3 billion in research funding and threatened to end the university's ability to host international students.
Trump's new tactic aims to garner public support by suggesting that Harvard's success comes at the expense of working Americans. Most federal funding cuts to Harvard have been aimed at health research, such as studies on cancer and lung disease, which the university has defended as essential. Harvard, however, has yet to comment on Trump's recent proposal. In an interview with NPR, Harvard President Alan Garber challenged Trump's approach, stating, "The real question is how much value does the federal government get from its expenditures on research. There is a lot of actual research demonstrating the returns to the American people have been enormous."
In the realm of vocational education, both Democratic and Republican administrations have deemed it a priority. Trump has advocated for vocational schools as part of his plan to restore manufacturing jobs in the United States. Just last month, he signed an executive order directing federal agencies to coordinate a national strategy on career and technical education.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the value of vocational schools at her confirmation hearing, stressing that these institutions play a crucial role in equipping students with practical skills. Jerome Grant, CEO of Universal Technical Institute Inc., one of the largest private chains of trade schools, has met with Education Department officials to discuss increasing support for vocational education. However, Grant has made it clear that he is not targeting traditional universities in this push. Instead, he seeks to encourage students beyond high school who may be inclined towards vocational programs without them being viewed as a default option.
The idea that all students should pursue four-year college degrees has become less prevalent in recent years due to economic changes and mounting student debt. Trade schools focus on preparing students for certification in specific professions without general education courses or electives, taking less time and being less expensive than four-year colleges. Although some trade schools can be considered for-profit colleges, they have faced scrutiny in the past for failing to deliver on their promises.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" that Trump has encouraged House Republicans to pass could potentially undermine regulations of these schools, posing risks for working students. The bill, as currently drafted, would roll back regulations that hold career-training programs accountable if their graduates do not earn enough, expand Pell Grant use to students at shorter-term and unaccredited education programs, and limit Pell Grant eligibility for part-time students, many of whom are working-class. Neither the White House nor the Education Department has responded to questions about the provisions.
Jason Altmire, president of Career Education Colleges and Universities, an association representing private trade schools and for-profit colleges, supports the reforms proposed in the House bill and welcomes Trump's suggestion of increasing funding for trade schools. Altmire, a former Democratic House member from Pennsylvania, believes the proposal represents a positive shift in the perception of for-profit schools. He called the Truth Social post "a continuation of a lot of good things President Trump has done and said about the schools I represent."
Despite disagreements surrounding the future of federal research funding, both traditional universities and vocational schools can find a way to support each other while focusing on their unique contributions to society. Adopting an unbiased approach towards funding the advancement of research and education will ensure a more cohesive and prosperous higher education system in the United States.
- Trump's proposal to reallocate $3 billion in research funding from Harvard University to trade schools could be a part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" he encourages House Republicans to pass, which may potentially undermine regulations for trade schools.
- Education experts view Trump's shift in focus of federal research funding as a strategic move, as it could politically appeal to the public by suggesting that Harvard's success comes at the expense of working Americans.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, both Democratic and Republican administrations have deemed vocational education a priority, with Trump advocating for it as part of his plan to restore manufacturing jobs in the United States.
- Harvard University, particularly, has been a target of Trump's criticism, with the administration slashing nearly $3 billion in research funding and threatening to end the university's ability to host international students due to allegations of antisemitism and demands for reforms in student admission and faculty hiring.
