Harvard vs. The Trump Administration

Harvard University, the nation’s oldest and wealthiest higher education institutions, was at the center of a battle with the Trump administration over free speech, academic freedom, and diversity policies. In spring 2025, the administration froze roughly $2.2 billion in federal research funding and contracts after Harvard rejected a series of government demands that it overhaul its governance structures, admissions and hiring practices, and diversity programming. The Trump administration also attempted to strip Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, who make up about a quarter of its student body. I visited the Harvard campus in April and September of 2025 with NBC News reporters to capture the mood on campus and what students and faculty were feeling amidst the high-profile dispute.

NBC News
Harvard students and faculty face the fallout from a showdown with Trump
Harvard is back to school for a year that will be a test case in free speech, students and staff say

Reporters: Tyler Kingkade, Yasmine Salam, Alexandra Chaidez, and Kimmy Yam
Photo Editor: Elise Wrabetz and Matt Nighswander

The Johnston Gate at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Johnston Gate at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The American flag hanging above the John Harvard statue on Harvard campus.

The American flag hanging above the John Harvard statue on Harvard campus.

Leo Gerdén, a Swedish international student at Harvard, has demonstrated against the government’s demands.

Leo Gerdén, a Swedish international student at Harvard, has demonstrated against the government’s demands.

The Harvard motto atop Lowell House on campus.

The Harvard motto atop Lowell House on campus.

Irene Ameena, a third-year law student at Harvard, said international students are forming mutual aid networks to protect themselves.

Irene Ameena, a third-year law student at Harvard, said international students are forming mutual aid networks to protect themselves.

A Palestinian flag hangs from a building on the Harvard campus.

A Palestinian flag hangs from a building on the Harvard campus.

Abdullah Shahid Sial, the undergraduate student body co-president at Harvard, who has been especially outspoken as his international student status is threatened.

Abdullah Shahid Sial, the undergraduate student body co-president at Harvard, who has been especially outspoken as his international student status is threatened.

A bulletin board on the Harvard campus on April 24, 2025.

A bulletin board on the Harvard campus on April 24, 2025.

The back entrance of the Harvard Library.

The back entrance of the Harvard Library.

Banners hang from the side of Memorial Church on the first day of classes at Harvard on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Banners hang from the side of Memorial Church on the first day of classes at Harvard on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Harvard student Karl Molden, who's from Austria, said he will continue to protest despite the challenges international students face.

Harvard student Karl Molden, who's from Austria, said he will continue to protest despite the challenges international students face.

A bulletin board on Harvard campus on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

A bulletin board on Harvard campus on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Jacqueline Metzger, a junior, said she feels loss over the shuttering of a dedicated space for the school's women's center.

Jacqueline Metzger, a junior, said she feels loss over the shuttering of a dedicated space for the school's women's center.

Harvard professor and political scientist Ryan Enos poses for a portrait by his office. Enos is concerned about students' potentially self-censoring.

Harvard professor and political scientist Ryan Enos poses for a portrait by his office. Enos is concerned about students' potentially self-censoring.

An inscription on a gate entering Harvard Yard.

An inscription on a gate entering Harvard Yard.