White House admits ‘we’re fighting a losing battle’ as Trump’s Harvard war backfires spectacularly

The Trump administration is intensifying its campaign against Harvard University, with the White House gathering officials from nearly a dozen agencies to discuss additional punitive measures against the prestigious institution.

According to Politico, the Wednesday meeting, which included representatives from multiple federal departments, aimed to develop new strategies against Harvard following a recent setback where a federal judge blocked the administration’s attempt to bar international students from enrollment.

One administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the challenging nature of their position, stating, “We’re fighting a losing battle.” The official further admitted that their actions have inadvertently cast Harvard in a sympathetic light, noting, “We’ve taken one of the most evil institutions and made them the victim.”

White House plans new measures across multiple departments

The administration is now exploring creative ways to maintain pressure on the university, with expected actions coming from the State, Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Justice departments as early as next month. Potential measures include expanding the Department of Justice’s investigation into Harvard’s admissions policies and reducing funding to Harvard-affiliated medical institutions.

The conflict, which has been brewing since February, escalated significantly after an April 11 letter containing various demands was mistakenly sent to Harvard when a potential deal was still possible. Following this communication breakdown, the administration implemented several punitive measures, including freezing $2.2 billion in multiyear research grants, cutting $60 million in contracts, and barring Harvard from future grants.

President Trump has remained vocal in his criticism of the university, recently threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status. During an unrelated press conference on Wednesday, Trump stated that “Harvard is treating our country with great disrespect and all they’re doing is getting in deeper and deeper and deeper.”

The university has responded by taking legal action, successfully obtaining a federal judge’s block on the administration’s attempt to bar international students. This block will remain in effect while both parties negotiate over a potential injunction to maintain the status quo during legal proceedings. Harvard University has declined to comment on these developments.