Bill Maher sharply criticized Harvard University on his May 30 episode. He called it an “a**hole factory.” Maher supported President Trump’s decision to stop funding the university. Trump did this in response to what he describes as antisemitic behavior on campus.
Congressman Seth Moulton defended Harvard. He argued, “You don’t protect Jewish students by cutting off cancer research.” Maher said that significant action is necessary. He wants to address and end the antisemitic protests and violence at the university.
The conversation expanded to broader concerns. They discussed how rhetoric from campus protests can incite violence beyond the university. This was illustrated by the actions of Elias Rodriguez.
He allegedly opened fire on several people outside a museum in Washington D.C. This resulted in the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Court documents show that Rodriguez expressed frustrations over the Israel-Hamas conflict. This conflict has led to many casualties and displacement of Palestinians and Gaza Strip residents.
Rodriguez now faces life in prison or the federal death penalty. He is charged with first-degree murder and the murder of a foreign diplomat, among other charges. When it comes to Harvard University, Bill Maher and President Donald Trump agree.
Maher criticizes Harvard administration
On his HBO talk show, Maher announced he backs the president’s push to penalize Harvard. He wants to freeze billions in federal grants.
Maher charged the school with failing to crack down on antisemitism on campus. “Trump has declared full-scale war on Harvard, and like so many things he does, there’s a kernel of a good idea there,” Maher said. He also stated, “I’ve been sh–ing on Harvard long before he was.” Maher earned his degree from Harvard rival Cornell University.
CNN host Jake Tapper suggested that being a Cornell graduate might make Maher an automatic Harvard hater. Maher clarified his stance, saying, “It’s because Harvard is an a–hole factory in a lot of ways that produces smirking f–k faces.”
Tapper pointed out that another guest, Congressman Seth Moulton, attended Harvard. “He has three degrees from Harvard,” Tapper noted.
Maher added, “He’s a f–k face times three.”
Maher’s views on Trump appear to have evolved as well. Once a vocal critic, Maher acknowledged that Trump was a “different” person than the one often portrayed by liberal media outlets. Trump has taken substantial actions against Harvard.
He suspended its federal funding, citing antisemitism on campus. Trump also threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status. He tried to limit the number of foreign-born students admitted to the school.
He stated that he wants to see more American students accepted into Harvard. Legal and academic communities continue to watch closely as the administration’s actions provoke a debate over academic freedom and federal intervention in higher education.
