In 2021, a conversation between far-right blogger Curtis Yarvin and former Trump official Michael Anton predicted a potential power grab by a hypothetical ‘American Caesar.’ Yarvin suggested the dismantling of institutions like Harvard and the New York Times as a necessary step. Now, that prediction seems chillingly prescient.
The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented assault on Harvard University, revoking $2.2 billion in federal research funding. Further threats include revoking Harvard’s non-profit status, stripping its certification to host international students, and scrutinizing foreign donations. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s part of a broader Trumpian strategy targeting progressive institutions, from law firms to non-profits and media outlets.
While various pretexts are offered, the attacks align with a right-wing strategy to force liberal institutions into submission or destruction. Harvard became a primary target after refusing to comply with extreme demands from Trump officials, including yearly government-approved audits for ‘viewpoint diversity’ across every department and student body. This unprecedented intrusion on a private university suggests a desire not just for change, but for the institution’s complete dismantling.
This aggressive tactic is fueled by Trump’s vindictiveness, but also by a long-standing conservative narrative portraying elite universities as indoctrinating America’s youth. Influential figures like Christopher Rufo and Curtis Yarvin have long advocated for targeting what Yarvin calls ‘the Cathedral’ – elite academic and media institutions shaping political discourse. This narrative has gained traction, leading to calls for aggressive attacks on universities.
Several factors increased universities’ vulnerability: the pandemic fueled distrust in the medical establishment, the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action, and the controversy surrounding pro-Palestinian protests on campuses. The Trump administration’s ‘Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism’ has played a significant role in threatening funding for universities. Reports indicate Trump is personally involved and invested in this effort.
While Harvard possesses resources to fight back legally and financially, the long-term implications are unsettling. The precedent of using funding as a tool for political coercion is deeply concerning, potentially impacting all universities under future Republican administrations. Universities may face a choice: adapt to right-wing demands or navigate a future without federal funding.
The impact extends beyond Harvard. Research funding for crucial areas like tuberculosis, cancer treatment, and ALS has already been affected, highlighting the potential damage to scientific progress. The underlying agenda appears to be about destroying US scientific and medical expertise for political gain.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of Trump’s tactics remains to be seen. Harvard has strong legal prospects, and its prestige may even be enhanced by its resistance. However, the broader impact on the relationship between universities and the federal government is likely to be lasting and transformative. The era of universities operating without regard for conservative viewpoints is likely over.
