Tensions between former President Obama and current President Trump have resurfaced, this time over higher education. Speaking at Hamilton College, Obama criticized Trump’s policies and expressed concern over the erosion of American core values under his leadership. This comes as Harvard,
University faces a major standoff with the Trump administration, which has frozen $2.3 billion in federal funding. The administration demanded Harvard dismantle DEI programs, ban protest masks, and revise admissions based strictly on merit—moves it claims are aimed at curbing antisemitism. Critics call it a,political power play.Harvard President Alan Garber refused to comply, defending the university’s independence and academic freedom. Obama supported Harvard in a post on X, praising it for rejecting “a politically motivated assault” and,
urging other schools to follow suit. The clash has sparked a national debate over who controls campus culture and academic values, with major implications for the future of higher education.