Hegseth cuts military education connections with Harvard due to Trump dispute.

Army Terminates Educational Ties with Harvard

On Friday, the Army Department announced the termination of all professional military education, fellowship, and certification programs with Harvard University.

In a video statement, Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth criticized the university, expressing his discontent.

“Harvard is awake, but the War Department is not,” he said, pointing out his own connection as a graduate of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He claimed there has been a “rich tradition” between the military and Ivy League schools. However, he labeled Harvard as a hub for “hateful American activity.”

Hegseth argued that many educators at Harvard harbor negative feelings toward the military. He further accused the university of charging high tuition fees while presenting the military unfavorably and suppressing dissent against their left-leaning ideologies. “It’s just not worth it,” he asserted, implying that the institution has replaced genuine debate with strict conformity.

This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and elite universities. Just a few days ago, President Trump announced he was pursuing $1 billion in damages from Harvard. His administration has focused on the university in efforts aimed at addressing anti-Semitism and what they term “woke” ideology.

There’s also a legal battle surrounding a judge’s decision to return $2.7 billion in frozen federal research funds to Harvard, which the university argues is a manipulative tactic by the government.

Hegseth went further by critiquing what he perceives as Harvard’s harmful affiliations, including connections to the Chinese Communist Party. He claims the leadership creates an environment that supports groups like Hamas and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion over critical dialogues.

“Why should the Army support an environment that’s harmful to our values?” he questioned, concluding definitively that they should not. He expressed a wish that Harvard would come to better appreciate the military’s contributions instead of returning officers with ideologies he believes could hinder their effectiveness.

Additionally, Hegseth has plans for a broader review of existing graduate programs for active military personnel at Ivy League institutions and other schools. This review aims to assess whether these programs provide a cost-effective and strategic education compared to alternatives like public universities or military programs.

The goal, he stated, is clear: maximize taxpayer value while enhancing military readiness. “It’s straightforward,” he stated. “Spending millions on universities that undermine our mission is no longer an option.”