Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has set his sights on Harvard University once again. This time, he’s calling for the removal of Penny Pritzker, a former Obama official and significant Democratic donor, amid conflicts with President Donald Trump.
With ties to both Harvard and Pershing Square Capital Management, Ackman expressed his discontent during a CNBC interview, stating that the university should have opted for negotiation with the Trump administration instead of pursuing litigation over potential cuts to federal funding.
Ackman specifically criticized Pritzker, now a senior fellow at Harvard Corporation, labeling the handling of the university’s finances and mission as flawed.
“The mismanagement here is Penny Pritzker,” Ackman remarked. “It’s time for a change in leadership on the Harvard board.”
Recently, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming the administration had unlawfully paused over $2 billion in funding in response to demands regarding anti-Semitism on campus.
In this lawsuit, the university contended that the government’s requirements infringed upon academic freedom and amounted to political meddling concerning diversity efforts, faculty hiring, and governance.
However, Ackman argued that Harvard’s approach was overly aggressive and counterproductive.
“They should have acknowledged that Trump had some valid points,” he suggested, hinting at a more conciliatory approach.
Ackman also noted the university’s political leanings, suggesting Harvard’s tax-exempt status could be considered unjustified if it operates as a political advocacy group. He expressed concern, saying, “When universities start to become political advocacy organizations, they don’t deserve non-profit status.”
Still, he expressed hope for Harvard’s future, indicating he doesn’t foresee the institution ultimately losing its tax exemption.
This conflict marks a continuing strain in Ackman’s relationship with the university, which he previously supported. His criticisms intensified following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, when Harvard faced backlash for its response to pro-Palestinian protests. As a Jewish individual, he pushed for accountability from the university’s leadership.
Eventually, he called for the resignation of then-President Claudine Gay, who left her position in January 2024.
Currently, Ackman’s scrutiny is centered on Pritzker, who has been part of Harvard Corporation since July 2022. As the heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune and a prominent Democratic donor, she has substantial connections within the university, having served on the Supervisory Board prior to her current role.
In her senior position, Pritzker oversees key corporate responsibilities, including managing donations and spearheading long-term strategy and presidential searches.
Despite her resignation prompting a leadership overhaul, she has maintained her role. The Pritzker family, known for their Jewish heritage and philanthropy, has been heavily involved in the business world and public service.
Penny Pritzker, having served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under Obama and later appointed as the economic envoy to Ukraine by Biden in 2023, continues to wield considerable influence.
While Harvard has not officially responded to Ackman’s recent comments, they had argued in prior legal documents that the governmental actions posed a severe threat to academic freedom and the autonomy of higher education institutions.
This situation has sparked broader discussions regarding free speech on campuses, touching on the ongoing national conversation about university governance, diversity initiatives, and their political implications.
Ackman has become more outspoken in debates around higher education and corporate governance. His ongoing dispute with Harvard has polarized opinions among alumni and donors, drawing both support and criticism regarding his impact on institutional independence.
This post was sought for comment from Harvard.
