As Harvard defies Trump, many big donors still want it to strike a deal

For weeks leading up the April 11 letter, the school's board tried to avoid a public battle.

View in browser|nytimes.com April 23, 2025 To much of academia, Harvard is a hero for standing up to the White House and rejecting its demands to reshape higher education. Cody O'Loughlin for The New York Times But many big donors are pushing the university to back down. → MORE COVERAGE More than 180 academic leaders released a letter condemning President Trump's "overreach." → Harvard plans to use President Trump's haste against him as it fights his funding cut. → Can Harvard withstand President Trump's financial attack? → Sign up for the On Politics: Musk's Washington newsletter. A close-up look at how Elon Musk is trying to transform the federal government. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times. To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018