United States President Donald Trump delivered a scathing critique of Harvard University on Wednesday, calling the prestigious institution a “joke” and claiming it “has lost its way.” The remarks follow Harvard’s decision to reject a new set of federal policy requirements introduced by the Trump administration.

Trump’s criticism marks a new escalation in his administration’s ongoing conflict with elite academic institutions. The president previously threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and classify it as a regular taxed political entity “if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting sickness?”

Despite Harvard’s reputation—currently ranked as the third-best university in the world by Times Higher Education—Trump dismissed the institution’s influence. “Harvard teaches Hate and Stupidity and should no longer receive Federal Funds,” he said in a statement.

The comments come amid broader tensions between the federal government and universities over academic freedom, campus activism, and political expression. Harvard’s refusal to comply with the policy directives appears to have triggered Trump’s most severe rebuke to date, underscoring the administration’s view that institutions must align more closely with federal priorities.

While Harvard has yet to respond publicly to the latest comments, the dispute adds to mounting debates surrounding the role of universities in shaping political discourse and the extent of government influence over educational funding.

The president’s remarks are likely to intensify scrutiny over the balance between institutional independence and federal oversight, especially as calls grow to defend academic spaces from political interference. Harvard’s leadership has previously stated its commitment to protecting freedom of thought and inquiry on campus.