Universities in the crossfire: America’s academic strongholds face a new authoritarian threat

Amid escalating attacks from Donald Trump’s administration, U.S. universities are taking a stand against political interference. Over 400 university presidents have denounced government overreach, with Harvard suing over unlawful demands. While some universities fight back, many silence dissent, especially pro-Palestinian voices. This conflict, centering on academic freedom, is shaping the future of independent inquiry and democracy itself.