Pentagon Ends Programs with Harvard Amid Ideological Clash

The Pentagon announced on Friday that it is ending all military training, fellowships, and certificate programs with Harvard University. This decision marks a new development in the Trump administration's ongoing dispute with the Ivy League institution.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the move was necessary because Harvard "no longer meets the needs of the War Department or the military services."

The department sent officers to Harvard "hoping the university would better understand and appreciate our warrior class," but instead, officers returned with "globalist and radical ideologies that do not improve our fighting ranks."

Program Discontinuation Details

In a post on X, Hegseth also described Harvard as "woke" while stating the War Department is not. The discontinuation of graduate-level professional military education, fellowships, and certificate programs will commence with the 2026-27 academic year.

Current personnel attending classes at Harvard will be permitted to complete their courses. Hegseth indicated that similar programs at other Ivy League universities would be reviewed in the coming weeks.

Defense Secretary's Stance

Hegseth, who holds a master's degree from Harvard, has publicly expressed his disapproval of the institution. He symbolically returned his diploma in a 2022 Fox News segment, a clip that was later recirculated by a Pentagon social media account managed by his office.

The military offers its officers various opportunities for graduate-level education at both military war colleges and civilian institutions.

Broader Context: Ongoing Harvard-Trump Administration Dispute

Harvard has been a frequent target for President Donald Trump's administration regarding reforms at prestigious universities.

A History of Tensions

Administration officials have previously reduced billions of dollars in federal research funding for Harvard. They also attempted to prevent it from enrolling foreign students after the campus rejected government demands in April.

Allegations and Retaliation

The White House cited Harvard's tolerance of anti-Jewish bias on campus as a reason for its actions. Harvard leaders, however, assert they face illegal retaliation for not adopting the administration's ideological views.

Legal Battles and Escalation

Harvard has filed lawsuits against the administration, with federal judges issuing orders in favor of Harvard in both cases. The administration is currently appealing these rulings.

Tensions had reportedly eased over the summer but escalated again after the president demanded $1 billion from Harvard as part of any deal to reinstate federal funding.