Pentagon to End All Military Ties with Harvard Over 'Woke' Criticisms
In a significant escalation of tensions between the US military and academia, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that the Pentagon will cease all professional military education, fellowships, and certificate programs with Harvard University. This move, announced via a statement on social media platform X, directly targets what Hegseth labels as "woke" ideologies at the Ivy League institution.
Hegseth's Strong Condemnation of Harvard's Culture
Hegseth, a former Fox News weekend host and Harvard alumnus himself, launched a scathing attack on the university, describing it as "one of the red-hot centers of Hate America activism." He accused many faculty members of openly despising the military, portraying armed forces in a negative light, and suppressing dissenting viewpoints that challenge leftist political leanings. Notably, Hegseth did not reference the master's degree in public policy he earned from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
In his video message, Hegseth emphasized that the Pentagon's focus on "building lethality" no longer justifies spending millions on universities he claims actively undermine military missions and national interests. He concluded with a blunt dismissal: "We train warriors, not wokesters. Harvard: good riddance."
Broader Review of Ivy League and Civilian University Programs
The decision extends beyond Harvard, as Hegseth revealed that within two weeks, components of the Army, Navy, and Air Force will evaluate all existing graduate programs for active-duty service members at Ivy League universities and other civilian institutions. He cited "pervasive institutional bias and a lack of viewpoint diversity" across the Ivy League, including the promotion of what he termed "toxic ideologies" that compromise military objectives.
Historical Context and Political Rhetoric
Hegseth's criticism of Harvard is not new; it has been a recurring theme in his political rhetoric for years. He has disparaged the school in two of his published books and, in a 2022 segment on Fox & Friends, staged a dramatic act of defacing his diploma by writing "Return to sender" on it. During that broadcast, he acknowledged the symbolic nature of the gesture, admitting it was a "stunt" while still holding his degree.
This action aligns with the broader Trump administration's crackdown on top US universities, including Harvard, over issues such as pro-Palestinian protests, diversity initiatives, transgender policies, and climate programs. The administration has consistently targeted academic institutions perceived as opposing its political agenda.
Implications for Military-Academic Partnerships
The termination of these programs marks a pivotal shift in the relationship between the Pentagon and elite educational establishments. It raises questions about the future of military training and professional development collaborations, potentially affecting hundreds of service members who rely on such opportunities for career advancement. The move underscores ongoing debates about academic freedom, political bias, and the role of universities in national defense.
