Harvard President, NBA Legend Criticize Trump Amid Funding Cuts, Visa Disputes

Harvard University President Alan Garber used his 2025 commencement speech to take a pointed stance against the Trump administration's efforts to restrict international student enrollment, emphasizing the global diversity of the graduating class and receiving strong applause from attendees. This came shortly after a federal judge blocked the administration's attempt to bar Harvard from enrolling foreign students, maintaining the status quo for student visas amid ongoing legal battles. The Trump administration has also frozen billions in federal funding to Harvard and considered revoking its tax-exempt status in retaliation for the university's resistance. NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar publicly supported Harvard during its Class Day celebration, condemning the administration's actions as 'tyrannical' attacks on academic freedom and free speech, praising Harvard's leadership for standing firm against these pressures. Both Garber and Abdul-Jabbar framed the conflict as a defense of fundamental rights, with Harvard asserting that cutting off international students would harm a significant portion of its community and violate constitutional protections. The university continues to challenge the administration legally, seeking restoration of federal funding and protection of its diverse student body.