Chicago – February 07, 2026
In a bold move escalating tensions with elite academia, the Pentagon announced it will terminate all academic partnerships with Harvard University, effective for the 2026-2027 academic year. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the Ivy League institution as a “breeding ground for woke ideology and anti-American radicals,” claiming it fails to align with military needs.
The decision ends graduate-level professional military education, fellowships, and certificate programs at Harvard, though current military students can complete their courses.
Hegseth stated in a video on X that sending officers to Harvard has filled their minds with “globalist and radical ideologies” rather than strengthening the fighting force. He also cited Harvard’s research ties to the Chinese Communist Party, including $560 million in funding from 2010-2025.
This action is part of the Trump administration’s broader push against perceived liberal biases in universities, with reviews planned for other Ivy League schools. Harvard has not yet responded publicly.
