Rachel Abrams

For Harvard students, this year's graduation ceremony comes amid an intense standoff between one of America's most prestigious universities and the United States government.

In particular, the Trump administration is trying to cut the school's federal funding and eliminate student visas.

In particular, the Trump administration is trying to cut the school's federal funding and eliminate student visas.

Today, my colleague Mike Schmidt on how that conflict escalated and what it reveals about how far the administration will go to execute its agenda. It's Thursday, May 29th. So, Mike, we know that the Trump administration has targeted a wide range of universities.

Today, my colleague Mike Schmidt on how that conflict escalated and what it reveals about how far the administration will go to execute its agenda. It's Thursday, May 29th. So, Mike, we know that the Trump administration has targeted a wide range of universities.

The campaign that they have waged against Harvard, though, in particular, it really feels distinct from what's happened at other schools. And we've seen this fight really ratcheting up over the last few days with the news about more funding cuts and this attempted ban on international students. How would you characterize this fight and why is it so different?

The campaign that they have waged against Harvard, though, in particular, it really feels distinct from what's happened at other schools. And we've seen this fight really ratcheting up over the last few days with the news about more funding cuts and this attempted ban on international students. How would you characterize this fight and why is it so different?

It's so interesting that you mentioned retribution, though, because I don't recall whether Harvard actually did anything to Trump. When did this fight start?

It's so interesting that you mentioned retribution, though, because I don't recall whether Harvard actually did anything to Trump. When did this fight start?

Please.

Please.

What has also become clear over the last few months is that the concerns raised by the administration are not just about anti-Semitism. Can you remind us, what else has the Trump administration taken issue with at Harvard?

What has also become clear over the last few months is that the concerns raised by the administration are not just about anti-Semitism. Can you remind us, what else has the Trump administration taken issue with at Harvard?

To say it another way, it sounds like Harvard was one of the many institutions that the Trump administration is concerned is, quote unquote, too woke.

To say it another way, it sounds like Harvard was one of the many institutions that the Trump administration is concerned is, quote unquote, too woke.

They want a demand letter.

They want a demand letter.

What does it say?

What does it say?

What does that even mean?