Harvard president seems willing to 'go pretty far' in fight against Trump admin: Steve Inskeep - MSNBC Reports

[Rhiannon12866]

The Trump administration is seeking to end all federal contracts with Harvard University. NBC News' Garrett Haake reports more from the White House. Host of NPR's "Morning Edition" Steve Inskeep, who sat down with Harvard President Alan Garber this morning, and Boston Globe Political Reporter James Pindell join Ana Cabrera to discuss. - Aired on 05/27/2025.

[Pisces]

1. I hope so!! Harvard has deep pockets. If they can't battle Trump we are doomed!

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Billionaire declares war on elites!

He wants to keep the knowledge to himself!! ROFLMAO

[crimycarny]

3. Serious question--isn't this up to Congress?

How can a President single-handedly cancel Federal Contracts? These contracts are awarded through Congress, correct?

I'm truly baffled at how much Trump is getting away with and no one is stopping him. I'm assuming Harvard will take this to the courts as it's blatantly illegal.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. That's my understanding as well, that awarding contracts is up to Congress.

And I believe that Harvard has two lawsuits pending against TFG's actions - and, as we know, the courts are regularly ruling against him. But will he comply?? He is supposedly complying with the order to "facilitate" the return of Garcia, but how long has that been??

[Deuxcents]

5. Stalling, delaying..it's all his tactics to run out the patience of his opponent or just run out the clock

Statute of limitations is his favorite

[unblock]

6. I think Donnie blundered by going far maximum punishment against Harvard

Leaving aside all the ethics and legalities, I think he erred purely from a strategic perspective by leaving Harvard nothing to lose by fighting back hard.

An authoritarian trying to force an institution to its knees should cause enough pain to get attention, but leave enough so there's still the threat of even greater pain. That forces compliance.

In Harvard's case, after Donnie exiled all the international students and killed all federal research funding, what's left? Harvard isn't risking anything at this point.

[Blue Owl]

7. Let tRump blow his leg off as he tries shooting his own foot