Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders Pentagon to Cut All Ties With Harvard
Order appears to target Hegseth's own alma mater, the Kennedy School for public policy
The order affects research contracts, fellowship programs, and other institutional relationships between the Pentagon and one of the nation's most prestigious universities.
Harvard's Kennedy School has long served as a pipeline for national security professionals and has hosted classified research programs. The severing of ties could affect dozens of ongoing projects and educational partnerships.
Hegseth, who attended the Kennedy School before becoming a Fox News host, has previously criticized elite universities for what he characterizes as liberal bias.
Analysis
Why This Matters
The order signals an escalation in the administration's confrontation with elite academic institutions and could disrupt important research partnerships.
Background
Trump officials have threatened to cut federal funding to universities over DEI programs and other policies. This marks the first major action targeting a specific school.
Key Perspectives
Administration supporters view this as holding liberal institutions accountable. Critics see retaliation against academic freedom.
What to Watch
Whether other universities face similar treatment and how Harvard responds.