Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy, a Democrat, stated that President Trump’s funding cuts to Harvard were part of his “outrageous” scheme to silence opponents.
Healy appeared on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, expressing her frustration over the administration’s assaults on her state’s higher education institutions.
“That’s outrageous,” she remarked regarding Trump’s action to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status. “What Donald Trump is doing is part of his ongoing strategy to silence critics.”
Harvard has become the latest establishment to be dragged into the conflict against Trump, following a series of law firms that struck deals with the administration after being targeted by businesses advocating for an executive order and exemptions from his tariff policies.
“Now he’s pursuing colleges and attempting to silence them with all his tactics. That’s exactly what Donald Trump is doing,” stated Healy. “There is no advantage to this, and it is clearly unlawful.”
The administration has frozen $2.2 billion in funding for Harvard after it became the first institution to openly refuse the administration’s requests for policy changes.
The administration pursued several universities on allegations that they weren’t doing enough to combat anti-Semitism on campus, demanding that Harvard eliminate DEI and modify jobs and admissions policies.
Columbia University complied with a similar demand, hoping to regain $400 million in withheld funds. Nevertheless, these institutions have not seen their funding restored and are actually facing additional cuts.
After Harvard declined to implement the requested alterations, Trump labeled the university a “joke” and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status.
Researchers caution that funding cuts can have severe repercussions.
Healy pointed out that reductions from both Harvard University and the National Institutes of Health would impact state research and educational bodies studying disease treatments and cancer research.
She contended that diminished federal investment in research would undermine the US’s standing in the medical field. Healy explained that scientists are now seeking opportunities in other countries, diminishing the US’s primary position in healthcare.
“It’s detrimental to patients, it’s harmful for science, and it significantly undermines America’s competitiveness,” she stated.
“There is a reason this country has been a global leader, as we have invested in science and innovation for decades,” Healy concluded.
