The White House has intensified its stance against Harvard University, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defending the Trump administration’s plan to cancel federal contracts worth $100 million with the Ivy League institution.
In her latest remarks, Leavitt said taxpayer money should instead be directed toward vocational and trade schools that train plumbers, electricians, and skilled laborers—rather than elite universities that promote what she described as “anti-American values.”
“The President is more interested in giving that taxpayer money to trade schools, programs, and state universities where they are promoting American values and—most importantly—educating the next generation based on skills our economy and society actually need,” Leavitt told Fox News.
She further questioned the justification of funding a university that boasts a $53 billion endowment, yet, in her view, promotes ideologies misaligned with American principles.
Leavitt: “Electricians, plumbers — we need more of those in our country, and less LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard University. And that’s what this administration’s position is.” pic.twitter.com/IwSYVrZ1sJ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 28, 2025
“With such a massive endowment, it’s fair to ask why a university promoting these values should rely on taxpayer dollars,” she said.
Leavitt also took a swipe at niche academic programs, stating,“This administration believes in prioritizing practical career paths—like apprenticeships for electricians and plumbers—over niche degrees such as LGBTQ graduate programs at elite universities like Harvard.”
These remarks sparked backlash online. Many criticized Leavitt’s comments as dismissive and exclusionary.
Netizens reaction
A user on X (formerly Twitter) quipped,“From now on, Trump can only hire plumbers and electricians to represent him in court.”
Another wrote,“Those LGBTQ graduate majors run most of Wall Street.”
And a third commented,“Just wait till she finds out that plumbers and electricians can be—gulp—gay too.”
The controversy comes amid a larger cultural and political clash between the Trump administration and elite academic institutions. Trump has accused Harvard of being a breeding ground for liberal bias and campus anti-Semitism.
Ban on Foreign Students and Contract Reviews
Last week, Harvard faced another blow when it was temporarily barred from enrolling international students, leaving thousands of foreign students, including many from India, in limbo. A federal judge in Boston has since issued a temporary injunction, halting the order—for now.
Following this, the Trump administration directed all federal agencies to review and potentially terminate or reassign their contracts with Harvard University. Trump has also floated the idea of redirecting $3 billion in federal grants received by Harvard to trade schools across the country.
Student Protests Erupt on Campus
In response to the administration’s actions, Harvard students staged a protest on Tuesday. Many expressed concern over the uncertain future of international classmates and faculty who now face the threat of deportation.
“Our friends, peers, and professors are at risk,” said one student protestor. “This is not just a policy dispute—this is people’s lives.”
