Warning to Harvard: Education Secretary’s Stance on DEI
Education Secretary Linda McMahon recently issued a stark warning to Harvard University leaders during a podcast episode of “Pod Force One,” suggesting that she might bring what she described as “a wrecking ball” if the institution continues its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that may breach federal laws.
Shortly after President Trump took office in January 2025, he launched executive actions aimed at dismantling DEI programs at Harvard and other educational institutions. The Department of Education has been investigating a Cambridge, Massachusetts school not only for alleged anti-Semitism on campus but also for its race-based admissions practices. The Justice Department subsequently filed a lawsuit against Harvard for allegedly withholding admissions data.
However, McMahon’s warnings indicate that she’s prepared to pursue further investigations to ensure accountability from the Ivy League school.
In her discussion with Miranda Devine, McMahon emphasized that Harvard should be aware of the scrutiny it faces, including the potential loss of federal funding and the risk of litigation from the Justice Department.
McMahon, who was previously the president and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, has a history of not backing down from confrontations. She humorously referenced her past in wrestling, stating, “I haven’t actually been tipped over yet,” suggesting a tough but playful attitude as she navigates her role in the Trump administration.
Reflecting on her wrestling career, she noted her admiration for iconic figures like Andre the Giant, describing him as a wonderful person despite his imposing presence. She highlighted the essential roles that all wrestlers play in storytelling within the ring, underlining how each character contributes to the narrative.
The Trump administration has made it clear that it’s focused on reducing liberal influence in higher education, with Harvard being a focal point of that effort. In May 2025, federal officials seized $2.2 billion in grants from Harvard over alleged non-compliance with anti-discrimination regulations. This led to a legal conflict that saw a judge rule for the restoration of those funds, although the government plans to appeal the decision.
McMahon acknowledged that while the federal government doesn’t aim to strip funding from research universities—because they are key contributors to innovation—there is a need for compliance with the law. She expressed concern that some liberal administrators might mistakenly believe they’ve made sufficient changes to DEI programs to meet legal standards.
Conservative legal organizations have filed complaints with the Justice Department, asserting that Harvard is continuing to operate a costly DEI program funded by taxpayer dollars.
Both Trump and McMahon are hopeful that Harvard might consider a resolution similar to the agreement Columbia University reached, which involved a $220 million settlement to address discriminatory practices against Jewish students.
Some other institutions, like MIT, have abolished their DEI offices as a gesture of good faith, asserting that they are prioritizing outcome-based programs instead.
In closing, McMahon expressed a desire for universities to recognize and rectify the issues related to DEI, stating that the actions taken by her office had encouraged many campuses to focus on teaching civics and U.S. history, rather than ideological perspectives. She cautioned, however, that some institutions may simply be rebranding old programs without making substantive changes.
