Pentagon Cuts Ties with Harvard Over ‘Woke’ Ideology & Trump Feud

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is severing all academic ties with Harvard University, ending military education, scholarships, and certification programs, effective immediately. The move, announced on February 6, 2026, is a direct consequence of the ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and Harvard over accusations that the Ivy League institution promotes a “woke” ideology.

“For too long, this department has been sending our best and brightest officers to Harvard,” stated Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a released statement. “Hopefully, the university will better understand and appreciate our warrior class.”

Return of Officers with ‘Radical’ Ideologies

Hegseth expressed concern that too many U.S. Military officers are returning from Harvard with perspectives he characterized as mirroring those of the university’s graduates. He argued that these officers are returning with “globalist and radical ideologies” that do not enhance the quality of the U.S. Fighting force. The Pentagon stated the severing of ties will begin with the 2026-2027 academic year, allowing currently enrolled military personnel to complete their studies.

Hegseth indicated the Pentagon will review its relationships with all Ivy League colleges for military training, and education. “The goal is to determine whether they are truly providing a strategic, cost-effective education for future senior leaders when compared to, for example, our state universities and military graduate programs,” he explained.

Interestingly, Hegseth himself is an Ivy League graduate, having attended both Princeton and Harvard. Reports indicate he has returned his Harvard diploma to the institution, and has previously criticized Harvard’s policies as leaning too far to the left during appearances on Fox News.

Following Through on Trump’s Actions

This decision follows previous actions taken by former President Donald Trump, who had threatened to sue Harvard for $1 billion. The threat stemmed from a New York Times report detailing concessions Harvard had made during ongoing settlement negotiations with the government.

Trump administration officials accused Harvard and other universities of failing to adequately protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests. The administration’s pressure on universities has sparked concern among academics, including former Harvard presidents, about the potential erosion of academic freedom.

Trump had previously sought to cut more than $2.6 billion in funding to Harvard and had moved to block the admission of international students, who comprise approximately one-quarter of the university’s student body.

The Pentagon’s decision represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and elite academic institutions. It signals a broader shift in the administration’s approach to higher education, prioritizing ideological alignment with a perceived need for a more focused military education.

The move is likely to have ripple effects beyond Harvard, potentially impacting the recruitment and training of future military leaders. The Pentagon’s review of relationships with other Ivy League schools could lead to further disruptions in long-standing partnerships between the military and some of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate impact on military education. It raises questions about the role of ideology in higher education and the extent to which the government should influence academic institutions. The debate over “woke” ideology and its impact on American society is likely to continue, with universities increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of political scrutiny.

While the Pentagon has stated that current students will be allowed to finish their programs, the long-term consequences of this decision remain to be seen. The severing of ties with Harvard represents a clear signal that the administration is willing to take drastic measures to ensure that military education aligns with its political and ideological priorities.

The move also underscores the growing polarization within American society and the increasing tension between different ideological viewpoints. The debate over the role of universities in shaping the next generation of leaders is likely to intensify, with both sides digging in their heels and refusing to compromise.