The Department of War announced Friday it will end all professional military education, fellowships, and certificate programs with Harvard University, beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.
A Shift in Military Education
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that Harvard “is woke; The War Department is not,” framing the decision as a departure from ideologies he believes are incompatible with military values. Hegseth, a Harvard Kennedy School of Government graduate, argued that the university has grow one of the “red-hot centers of Hate America activism.”
The decision follows months of escalating tension between the Trump administration and Harvard, including a lawsuit filed by the university over a freeze of $2.7 billion in federal research funding. President Donald Trump has likewise indicated he is seeking $1 billion in damages from the university.
Broader Concerns About Ideology
Hegseth expressed concern that Harvard’s campus environment encourages partnerships with the Chinese Communist Party, celebrates Hamas, allows attacks on Jews, and prioritizes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. He also alleged that officers returning from Harvard programs were bringing back “globalist and radical ideologies.”
The Pentagon will now evaluate existing graduate programs at Ivy League schools and other civilian universities to determine their value in preparing future senior leaders. Hegseth stated the goal is to “maximize taxpayer value” and ensure programs align with the War Department’s mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Department of War to end its programs with Harvard?
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated the decision was prompted by concerns that Harvard has become a center for “Hate America activism” and that its ideologies are incompatible with the values of the War Department.
Is this decision part of a larger trend?
The announcement comes amid an ongoing feud between the Trump administration and the Ivy League, including legal challenges over federal funding and allegations of antisemitism and “woke” ideology.
What will happen next?
The Pentagon will evaluate existing graduate programs for active-duty service members at Ivy League schools and other civilian universities to determine their value and alignment with the War Department’s mission.
As the Pentagon reconsiders its partnerships with academic institutions, how might this shift impact the long-term development of military leadership?
