Victor Davis Hanson on Elite Universities' Dealings with Donald Trump

University Presidents' Negotiations with Trump

• 🎓 Elite universities like Stanford, Harvard, and Yale are reportedly negotiating with Donald Trump regarding federal funding.
• 💰 Trump is seeking concessions from these institutions in exchange for continued federal financial support.
• ⚠️ University presidents are described as initially resistant but are now considering a deal due to mounting pressure.

Criticisms of Elite Universities

• 💸 Universities have been overcharging the government for overhead on federal grants, sometimes up to 50%.
• ⚖️ They have violated the Supreme Court's 2023 civil rights ruling by implementing racial preferences in admissions, hiring, and promotions.
• 🚫 Practices included separate graduation ceremonies and dorms based on race, and an epidemic of antisemitism on campus.
• 🌍 A significant number of international students are admitted from illiberal regimes, particularly from China and the Middle East.

Motivations for Concessions

• 😨 University presidents are portrayed as being afraid of their students and their Marxist faculty.
• 📉 The potential loss of billions in federal funding and taxes on endowment income are significant financial threats.
• 🤝 Presidents may frame concessions as being forced by Trump to appease internal opposition, allowing them to implement moderate reforms.
• 🎯 Trump is seen as a useful external threat that university leaders can leverage to justify necessary changes to their internal stakeholders.