AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The head of the Pentagon has announced that the US Department of War will suspend its educational cooperation and joint military programs with Harvard University, in what is seen as the latest step by the Donald Trump administration in intensifying pressure on the institution.
Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of War, said that beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, all “professional military education” courses, scholarships, and certification programs between Harvard and the Department of War for active-duty personnel will be canceled. He noted that the decision will apply to new participants, while current students will be allowed to complete their programs.
Hegseth added that in the coming weeks, the Pentagon will review similar relationships with other universities as well. The move comes as the Trump administration has, in recent months, adopted a hardline approach toward major US universities, including Harvard, over issues such as pro-Palestine protests against the Zionist regime’s attacks on Gaza, racial diversity programs, and environmental initiatives.
The US Secretary of War accused Harvard of engaging in “anti-American activities” and described pro-Palestine protests on campus as examples of antisemitism. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, have meanwhile stressed that criticism of the Zionist regime’s policies should not be equated with antisemitism.
Civil rights advocates have also warned that the government’s approach toward educational institutions undermines freedom of expression, academic independence, and due process. Harvard had previously filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over attempts to cut the university’s federal funding.
The Trump administration has recently stated that, to settle disputes related to Harvard’s policies, it is seeking to obtain one billion dollars from the university. At the same time, some Ivy League institutions have reached agreements with the government, including Columbia University, which agreed to pay more than 220 million dollars, and Brown University, which committed 50 million dollars for local workforce development.
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