Trump has ‘Harvard Derangement Syndrome,’ professor says

  • Trump administration continues to target Harvard
  • University, fighting restrictions, won court victory Friday
  • Professor says administration appears obsessed

 

 

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(NewsNation) — Much like President Trump has said his critics suffer from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a Harvard University psychology professor suggests the administration may be exhibiting signs of “Harvard Derangement Syndrome.”

Dr. Steven Pinker wrote an op-ed piece in The New York Times, published Friday, that says his employer has drawn outsize scorn from Trump, who has leveled several broadsides at Harvard in his second term as he accuses the institution of being a far-left bastion.

A federal judge Friday temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to bar the university from enrolling international students. The administration also froze billions in grants to Harvard, and Trump has threatened the university’s tax-exempt status.

“They seem to be obsessed with Harvard,” Pinker, referring to White House, told NewsNation’s “On Balance.” “We didn’t try to get into the administration’s sights, but they have taken a bead on Harvard.”

Pinker noted he himself been a critic of Harvard and says it could have done more to prevent harassment of Jewish students during the Israel-Hamas war protests. But he said Trump ultimately is in the wrong.

The president is “imposing illegal, unconstitutional demands on Harvard,” Pinker said. “He’s the one who picked the fight. Harvard’s just defending itself.”

Politics

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