President Trump and his supporters seem to believe that many Americans harbor a certain animosity towards universities. This assumption is quite significant.
While our higher education institutions aren’t flawless—and the public acknowledges that—the majority of people see their immense worth and stand against Trump’s criticisms.
A recent AP/NORC poll shows that he scored 14 points lower in approval on “university-related issues.” It’s clear that most Americans are not in favor of his approach towards these institutions.
Delving deeper into the same poll, one can see why. The issue of college expenses resonates with many, as over 58% express deep concern over rising tuition costs. On the other hand, worries about “liberal bias” in education aren’t as widespread; only 36% said they are worried about ideological slants at universities, while 32% indicated they have no concerns at all regarding liberal leanings.
For decades, conservatives have criticized the perceived liberal bias in academia, dating back to William F. Buckley’s 1951 publication, “God and Yale.” However, while it wasn’t entirely accurate when Buckley wrote it, a couple of decades later, research by Martin Lipset and Everett Carl Rudd showed a liberal plurality among professors rather than a majority.
A more recent study in 2024 by the Fire Department surveyed 6,269 faculty at 55 four-year U.S. universities and found that 64% identified as liberal, with 19% moderate and 18% conservative. Different schools exhibit varied political distributions, with places like Harvard showing 73% liberal faculty, while some schools have more balanced or even conservative faculty demographics.
Interestingly, a Harvard survey indicated that 77% of students self-identified as liberal or very liberal, while at Duke, a similar poll showed 62% of faculty leaning liberal. About 24% considered themselves moderate, and only 14% identified as conservative.
This predominance of liberal ideology understandably makes some folks uneasy. A 27% of Americans believe universities do not adequately provide respectful and inclusive environments for conservative voices.
Interestingly, students seem to have a different viewpoint. According to a Gallup survey, about 74% of Democratic and 73% of Republican students believe their universities promote free speech effectively.
Despite the clear disparities in political representation, voters don’t seem to be particularly concerned about liberal bias. They generally oppose Trump’s strategies and appreciate the fundamental value of these educational institutions.
Previous studies indicate that only 30% would support state governments limiting educational content at publicly funded universities, while a significant 68% are against such measures. Americans seem to prefer a hands-off approach from state administrations when it comes to controlling universities. Additionally, the idea of tampering with private institutions is less favored.
Voters also recognize the societal benefits universities provide. According to a Gallup report, 70% of adults lacking degrees regard a four-year education as invaluable, and a remarkable 92% of degree holders believe their education facilitates job acquisition.
The benefits of higher education extend beyond personal gains. Nearly two-thirds of Americans feel universities contribute significantly to scientific and medical research, while 63% affirm that they’re essential for fostering new ideas and innovation.
Consequently, it makes sense that 62% favor sustaining federal funding for research while only 11% oppose it, and a mere 27% agree with Trump’s suggestion to withhold federal funds unless educational institutions comply with his directives.
Many also resist the notion of stripping tax exemptions from universities, a stance that complicates public opinion, given that a third of respondents remain undecided.
Trump’s particular focus on Harvard suggests he views it as a primary target. However, a Washington Post survey highlighted that 32% of Americans are against Trump’s attempts to control hiring and academic programs at Harvard, with 66% perceiving it as an overreach into a private institution.
Further evidence from a YouGov poll shows that only 35% approve of Trump’s potential expanding role into hiring at Harvard, while many express disapproval.
In the past, Trump has demonstrated a knack for strategically targeting opponents; perhaps this time will prove different.
