What was intended as a stern warning to Harvard University by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon might have backfired, turning into a lesson in grammar for her instead.
A letter she posted on X, directed at Dr. Alan Gerber of Harvard, accused him of breaching federal law and ethical norms, while telling Ivy League organizations that he wouldn’t be eligible for federal funding any longer.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t the message that caught people’s attention, but the writing itself.
Within hours, social media users were quick to critique her work. Numerous posts on X featured her letter, highlighting spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing, and a three-page document marred by improper capitalization, all marked in red.
Secretary of “education” https://t.co/ds5cwk0uhl pic.twitter.com/4mr4deyduz
– Daniel (Michelle Steel Hate Account) (@danielluo_pi) May 6, 2025
Critics online characterized the letter as “a chaotic mess of bad grammar and illiterate rambling.”
One user pointedly asked, “Did a high school student write this?”
Did a high school students write this? You are the secretary of “education”, and this is a rambling mess of bad grammar and illiteracy. You thrust into the bear and you’re so stupid that you can’t even know it.
– Fred Wellman (@fpwellman) May 6, 2025
Another user commented, “It’s wild that the Education Secretary can’t read or write.”
The education secretary is illiterate and wild.
– Blue Georgia (@blueatlgeorgia) May 5, 2025
Someone even made a parody, saying, “Dear Harvard, you’re stupid, I’m clever. I won’t give you money. Unless you give me more money. I’m so smart.”
“Dear Harvard,
You’re stupid, I’m smart.
I won’t give you any more money.
Unless you give me more money.
I’m very smart. ”
– Kill, icon! (@killtheicon) May 6, 2025
One user questioned, “What’s with the random capital letters? Didn’t you proofread this?”
What are the random capital letters? Didn’t you calibrate this?
– nithin (@01xnithin) May 7, 2025
This situation follows months of tension between the Trump administration and Harvard, accusing the university of permitting “anti-Semitic activities” on campus. In response, the government is looking to impact funding and tax-exempt status.
In her letter, McMahon alleged that Harvard allowed foreign students who “engage in violent behavior” and lack “academic rigor,” asserting that the university should cease seeking federal grants.
Harvard, regarded as one of the top universities globally, has called for action against what they see as an unjustified threat to their funding amidst a lawsuit initiated on April 21.
The legal challenge arose after Harvard declined to comply with directives from the Trump administration regarding student behavior and the administration’s control over certain actions.
In response to the administration’s actions, Harvard has warned that cutting federal support would jeopardize “life-saving research and innovation,” labeling the move as “unprecedented and inappropriate.”
“Harvard will continue to comply with the law, advocate for diverse perspectives, encourage respect, and combat anti-Semitism in our community,” they stated.
