The impacts of this $2.3 billion-dollar gamble stretch far beyond Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard’s confrontation with the Trump administration is more than a single university’s defiance—its outcome is a test case for the future of higher education in America with the potential to redefine the power balance between federal authority and institutional independence.
Read MoreEarlier this month, a federal judge ruled that the Associated Press must be restored to the White House press pool. U.S. district judge Trevor McFadden ruled in favor of the AP’s claim that its ban from the Oval Office is a fundamental attack on free speech. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling to the U.S Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Read MoreThough its impacts are still unfolding, the recent executive order targeting the Smithsonian appears to be part of a broader, coordinated effort by the Trump administration to assert influence over educational and cultural institutions. As the United States prepares for the 250th anniversary of its independence, which Trump has stated will “showcase the glory of every state in the Union, promote pride in our history, and put forth innovative visions for America’s future,” debates over the narrative of American history and whose version of it will dominate are likely to intensify.
Read MoreMany Democrats, voters and leaders alike, have been critical of the party for not doing more to stand up to the Trump administration. Booker’s speech came amidst a time where there have been calls for Democrats to do more and act with a greater sense of urgency, and provides an example for how Democrats can resist the Trump administration.
Read MoreOn April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump gave a news conference at the White House Rose Garden proclaiming "Liberation Day," marking the initiation of extensive tariffs aimed at addressing perceived inequities in international trade. The implementation of these tariffs has elicited swift reactions both domestically and internationally.
Read MoreDemocracies have rarely collapsed overnight — instead, the process often unfolds gradually, through legal and political maneuvers that slowly chip away at institutional norms. The future of American democracy, therefore, hinges on whether institutions and civil society can resist these internal and external pressures.
Read MoreThe tumultuous outcome of this increase in federal oversight leaves university administrators in a delicate position as they grapple with campus protests and the consequences of potentially losing federal funding if they refuse to comply, which could hinder their ability to govern themselves and maintain environments where diverse political views can be freely expressed.
Read MoreOn March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. While the full dissolution requires congressional approval, the order signals major shifts in federal education policy, likely leading to significant budget cuts and decentralization of education oversight.
Read MoreOn March 15, a significant national security breach occurred when high-ranking Trump administration officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, were inadvertently joined by The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat discussing a sensitive U.S. military operation in Yemen. Despite Signal's encryption, the breach highlighted vulnerabilities in digital communication platforms and underscored the risks of casually discussing sensitive matters. This incident raises critical questions about the integrity of government decision-making, the potential for security oversights, and the implications for national defense and public trust.
Read MoreJudge Boasberg explicitly told the Department of Justice (DOJ) that “any plane…that is in the air needs to be returned to the United States.” Yet, this order was defied, and the Trump administration pushed back, arguing that Judge Boasberg’s written order was not filed until 7:26 p.m. On Saturday, the two planes deported over 260 immigrants, 137 of whom were removed under the Alien Enemies Act, passed in 1798.
Read MoreOn February 24, the U.S. House of Representatives successfully passed a budget resolution calling for significant cuts, reflecting the ambitious goals of the newly elected Trump administration. Thanks to a narrow Republican majority in the House, the resolution passed by a margin of 2 votes. This is only one part of the long process, as it is now up to the individual House committees to determine the specifics of how the new budget goals will be implemented. While the budget process has historically been long and difficult, this one has the potential to be more divisive since the goals of the Trump administration are creating divides within the Republican party.
Read MoreOn March 3, a bill that proposed to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports by redefining Title IX failed to pass through a split Senate. This bill aimed to rescind federal funding from schools who would not comply with the new Title IX criteria, which sought to protect individuals based exclusively on their “reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”
Read MoreSigns across the country read phrases like “No one voted for Elon Musk,” “Stop the coup,” and “No kings in America.” In Washington, D.C., where thousands gathered at the Capitol Pool, demonstrators voiced their frustrations with Congress for not intervening, chanting “Where is Congress?” On Feb. 5 and 17, 2025, protestors gathered outside of state capitol buildings, courthouses, city halls, and other locations to protest the significant changes to the federal government that President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have implemented since Trump took office on January 20th.
Read MoreLast September, Adams was indicted on corruption charges, with his offenses including bribery, campaign finance violations, and conspiracy; he has since pleaded not guilty. Rather, in an unusual reversal of partisan politics, Adams has garnered support from the Justice Department and the Trump administration against his charges.
Read MoreThe Education Department’s ultimatum has forced universities across the country into a rather precarious position where they must balance legal, financial, and ideological considerations, representing a larger cultural and political battle over race-conscious policies in education.
Read MoreWhile Trump’s NIH budget cuts are long-term goal for the Republican Party, a swift response by a federal judge showed that this executive action would not go unchallenged.
Read MoreIn response to President Trump’s efforts for stricter immigration laws, 27 Christian and Jewish groups filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement agencies. This suit has come shortly after Pope Francis openly criticized Trump’s decision and his plans for mass deportation.
Read MoreThis is bound to affect everyday Americans as many industries rely heavily on steel and aluminum - most notably being car manufacturers, aluminum can manufacturers, and construction companies. Higher steel prices could mean an increase in the cost of vehicles, while higher aluminum prices may increase the cost of everyday kitchen staples like canned goods or soda.
Read MoreBoth nominations came down to razor-thin margins, and there were intense lobbying efforts made by both supporters and opponents. There is no longer a question of Trump’s influence within the Senate GOP—it remains strong.
Read MoreBy continuing to prioritize inclusive policies and having open dialogue surrounding environmental policy, there is a strong possibility that progress may be made that benefits the planet with the people and communities that call her home.
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