Pete Hegseth, head of the Pentagon, announced on Friday that the department will terminate military education programs, scholarships, and certification courses with Harvard University, ramping up tensions stemming from Donald Trump's ongoing campaign against the institution. This announcement comes at a time when the U.S. government has been scrutinizing many elite universities over a variety of issues, including pro-Palestinian protests regarding the conflict in Gaza, climate initiatives, transgender policies, and practices surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The conclusion of this partnership is scheduled to take effect starting in the academic year of 2026-2027, as stated by Hegseth in a post on the social media platform X. Notably, Hegseth himself holds a master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, which adds a layer of irony to his announcement. Despite the termination of the partnership, students already enrolled in these programs will still be allowed to complete their coursework, indicating some level of continuity amidst the broader changes being implemented by the Pentagon.

This move reflects broader political currents in the U.S., where universities have come under fire from the Trump administration not just for their academic programs but also for their stances on contemporary social issues. The Pentagon’s decision to sever ties with a prestigious institution like Harvard underscores the tensions between educational institutions and political entities in the U.S., particularly around sensitive topics such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and inclusive policies. This could set a precedent for further governmental scrutiny or action against other universities that are perceived as being out of step with the administration's views.