More than 100 American universities, including top Ivy League institutions such as Princeton and Brown, have issued a joint letter strongly criticizing what they describe as President Donald Trump’s growing “political interference” in the nation’s education system.
This unified stance follows a lawsuit filed by Harvard University against the Trump administration, which has threatened to withhold federal funding and impose political oversight on universities over claims of campus misconduct and ideological bias.
“We speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the universities stated in their open letter.
While acknowledging the importance of constructive reforms and proper government oversight, the letter emphasized the need to “oppose undue government intrusion,” particularly when public research funding is used as leverage.
“We must reject the coercive use of public research funding,” the statement added.
President Trump has launched an aggressive campaign against several elite universities, accusing them of allowing antisemitic behavior on campuses, especially during pro-Palestinian protests tied to Israel’s war in Gaza.
The administration has threatened to revoke federal support, target their tax-exempt status, and restrict the enrollment of international students.
The universities, however, reaffirmed their commitment to academic freedom and open dialogue.
“We are committed to serving as places where faculty, students, and staff are free to exchange ideas and opinions across a full range of viewpoints without fear of retribution, censorship, or deportation,” the letter read.
Trump’s broader push against higher education has included threats to defund diversity and inclusion initiatives and an expanded immigration crackdown affecting foreign students—many of whom have seen their visas revoked without clear justification.
The White House has defended these actions, citing the need to address antisemitism and roll back what it calls the excessive influence of left-wing ideologies on campus.
Critics, however, argue that the administration is using isolated incidents to justify a broader political agenda.
Harvard University, in particular, has become a central target in this clash.
The administration is reportedly seeking unprecedented control over Harvard’s admissions and faculty hiring practices.
After resisting these demands, Harvard was hit with an order last week to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding.
In response, the university filed a lawsuit calling the move unlawful and demanding a reversal of the funding freeze, along with full legal costs.
Adding to the pressure, the Department of Homeland Security has warned that Harvard could lose its ability to enroll international students unless it hands over detailed records of visa holders allegedly involved in “illegal and violent activities.”
According to Harvard’s website, international students currently make up 27.2 percent of its student body.
Despite mounting political pressure, the institutions say they remain firm in defending the independence and values of American higher education.
