'Harvard teaches hate, stupidity; should no longer receive federal funds': Donald Trump

He has ordered a $2.2 billion freeze in funding for Harvard.

Taking to his social media handle TruthSocial, Trump posted: "Everyone knows that Harvard has 'lost its way.' They hired, from New York (Bill D) and Chicago (Lori L), at ridiculously high salaries/fees, two of the WORST and MOST INCOMPETENT mayors in the history of our Country, to “teach” municipal management and government."

"Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he remarked.

President Trump even wrote, "Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World's Great Universities or Colleges."

On Tuesday, Trump threatened to strip the elite university of its tax-exempt status if it did not agree to incorporate the changes recommended by the White House.

Trump said Harvard "should lose its tax-exempt status and be taxed as a political entity".

In a letter to students and faculty, Harvard President Alan Garber vowed to defy the government and said the school would not "negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights."

The move was hailed by former US President Barack Obama, who said: "Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom."

What did the Trump administration demand?

Last Friday, the Trump administration sent a letter to Harvard University- a 140-year-old university- asking it to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in hiring, admissions, and programs.

The letter also called on the university to reduce the power of students and faculty members over the university's affairs.

It demanded the systematic screening of student organizations and international students, a move supposedly aimed at curtailing antisemitism on campus.

The administration's demands also include sharing its hiring data with the government and bringing in an outside party to ensure that each academic department is "viewpoint diverse."

The failure to comply could result in the loss of billions in federal funding, the administration warned.

Harvard responded swiftly, and by Monday, America's wealthiest university unequivocally rejected the administration's demands.

The institution said it will not comply with demands issued by the Trump administration as they are "in contravention of the First Amendment," and "invade university freedoms long recognised by the Supreme Court."