Harvard President's Dig at Trump Met With Standing Ovation at Graduation
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Harvard University President Alan Garber opened his remarks to the graduating class of 2025 on Thursday with praise for its students—domestic and foreign—after President Donald Trump's attempt to stop the school from enrolling international students.
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via email for comment on Thursday.
Why It Matters
Trump and his administration have cracked down on Ivy League institutions, such as Harvard and Columbia, since retaking office in January. The White House has accused the universities of allowing antisemitism amid pro-Palestinian student protests.
Among other things, the Trump administration initially withheld $400 million in federal funding from Columbia and said it would not release the funds unless the school changed its policies.
DHS also terminated nearly $3 million in grants to Harvard after the university defied a list of demands that included discontinuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, reforming student discipline policies and implementing a mask ban.
The Trump administration also recently said it would pull the certification for Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows the university to enroll international students. A judge issued a temporary restraining order to halt the new policy.
Harvard President Alan Garber holds his heart in gratitude as he receives a standing ovation from the crowd gathered for graduation in Harvard Yard on May 28, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Harvard President Alan Garber holds his heart in gratitude as he receives a standing ovation from the crowd gathered for graduation in Harvard Yard on May 28, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Photo by Libby O'Neill/Getty Images
What To Know
During his commencement address, Garber welcomed family, friends and supporters of the graduating class.
"And welcome, members of the Class of 2025. Members of the Class of 2025 from down the street, across the country, and around the world. Around the world, just as it should be," Garber continued according to a copy of the remarks from his office.
The line was met with loud cheers and a standing ovation. Videos of the moment have also circulated online, sparking praise and backlash.
Later in his address, according to the copy from his office, Garber noted that the graduates are "the hope of this institution embodied—living proof that our mission changes not only the lives of individuals but also the trajectories of communities that you will join, serve, and lead. May you carry the best of what Harvard is and does into the world that awaits you. May you chart a path for others to follow as you choose your own. And may your many destinations bring you joy, satisfaction, and peace."
Speaking to reporters about the current status of the feud with Harvard on Wednesday, Trump said that the school is "getting their ass kicked."
The New York Times reported that Trump's administration plans to cancel all federal contracts with the university, totaling nearly $100 million.
What People Are Saying
Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov, on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday: "When you deport young people and cancel the visas of their friends, you become public enemy number one very quickly."
Fox News Media contributor Tomi Lahren, responding to Tarlov on X: "The sad thing is you think the audience of a Harvard graduation ceremony is representative of the American people/voters at large. WRONGO! Maybe that's why Democrats keep losing elections...."
President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Sunday: "Why isn't Harvard saying that almost 31% of their students are from FOREIGN LANDS, and yet those countries, some not at all friendly to the United States, pay NOTHING toward their student's education, nor do they ever intend to.
"Nobody told us that! We want to know who those foreign students are, a reasonable request since we give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, but Harvard isn't exactly forthcoming. We want those names and countries. Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue GRANTING money to you!"
What Happens Next
It is believed Trump will continue to fight the university in court and pull funding and grants if they do not come to a policy agreement.
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