Many students and alumni lauded the university's decision to stand its ground, despite the consequences. Former President Barack Obama, an alumnus himself, called Trump's move "ham-handed" and praised Harvard as "an example for other higher-ed institutions".

Harvard said it would not bend to the government's demands, prompting the Trump administration to freeze $2.2 billion in funding for the university.

Harvard University rejected the Trump administration's sweeping demands to reshape its operations, citing a profound threat to its independence and mission. This defiance followed intense internal discussions and a determination that the government's proposals were overly intrusive.