The Trump administration is escalating its campaign against Harvard University following a legal setback that halted its attempt to ban the school from enrolling international students.
In a closed-door meeting held Wednesday, the White House gathered officials from nearly a dozen federal agencies to devise new punitive strategies, signaling that the clash with Harvard is far from over.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, agencies including the State Department, Treasury, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Justice may take action as early as next month. Among the proposals reportedly floated are expanding DOJ investigations into Harvard’s admissions policies and defunding affiliated medical institutions.
Despite concerns within the administration that their aggressive posture may bolster public sympathy for the Ivy League school, President Trump has remained firm in his rhetoric.
“Harvard is treating our country with great disrespect”
he said during a press conference Wednesday, continuing his public criticisms.
Trump had previously threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and accused the university of avoiding dialogue in favor of what his team calls “media theatrics.” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said,
“Harvard decided to litigate this on MSNBC, the now defunded NPR, and the ratings-disaster CNN instead of acting like adults”
The university has declined to comment on the latest developments. However, legal experts say that while the administration may find creative ways to apply pressure, it will face legal challenges in executing many of its threats. For now, Harvard remains defiant, continuing to enroll international students and maintain its admissions processes.
