In the second installment of our series, “De geboorte van een autocraat | De wraak van Trump op de linkse culturele elite,” we delve into President Donald Trump’s aggressive actions against the American academic world. As of April 30, 2025, his administration has intensified efforts to reshape higher education, targeting institutions perceived as bastions of liberal thought.
- Trump dismantles American institutions rapidly
- Compares Trump to autocrats Orban and Erdogan
- Questions US status as democratic rule of law
- Focuses on Trump's retaliation against academia
- Examines conflict with the cultural elite
- Discusses impact during Trump's first 100 days
“We have to honestly and aggressively attack the universities in this country. … The professors are the enemy.” ([fareedzakaria.com](https://fareedzakaria.com/columns/2025/3/14/trump-is-launching-americas-version-of-the-cultural-revolution?utm_source=openai))
This directive has led to significant policy shifts. In March 2025, the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights initiated investigations into 60 colleges and universities for alleged violations of civil rights laws related to antisemitic harassment and discrimination. Concurrently, the administration froze over $2 billion in grants to Harvard University after it refused to comply with demands to alter its curriculum and hiring practices. ([theweek.com](https://theweek.com/politics/trumps-war-on-academic-freedom-how-harvard-fought-back?utm_source=openai))
The administration’s actions have profound implications for the academic landscape. Universities are reevaluating their curricula and policies to align with federal expectations, potentially compromising academic freedom. The withdrawal of federal funding has disrupted research projects, affecting both faculty and students. International students, including those from Belgium, may face uncertainties regarding visa statuses and campus environments.
- Freezing of federal grants to universities.
- Investigations into alleged civil rights violations.
- Potential impact on international student enrollment.
As these developments unfold, it’s crucial for Belgian students and academic institutions to stay informed about policy changes that could affect international education and collaboration.
