Hegseth: ordering cancellation of all Defense Department attendance at Ivy League institutions starting academic year 2026-2027
TL;DR
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the cancellation of all Defense Department academic partnerships with Ivy League institutions, starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, citing concerns over bias, foreign ties, and misalignment with military values. The move aims to redirect resources to more cost-effective and strategically aligned programs, though critics warn it could disrupt recruitment and limit diverse perspectives.
Hegseth: ordering cancellation of all Defense Department attendance at Ivy League institutions starting academic year 2026-2027
Defense Department Announces Cuts to Academic Partnerships with Ivy League Institutions
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has directed the Department of War to terminate all graduate-level academic partnerships with Harvard University, effective with the 2026–2027 academic year. This includes professional military education, fellowships, and certificate programs for active-duty personnel. The decision, announced February 6, 2026, follows allegations of institutional bias, foreign partnerships, and cultural misalignment with military values.
Hegseth cited concerns over Harvard's collaborations with foreign entities, including the Chinese Communist Party, as well as campus environments he claimed "celebrate Hamas, allow attacks on Jews, and promote race-based discrimination". He argued that such ties and ideologies undermine the military's mission and national security interests. The move aligns with broader efforts to reevaluate academic partnerships across Ivy League and other civilian universities, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and strategic value compared to public institutions and military-run programs.
The Pentagon has begun compiling a list of institutions at risk of losing tuition assistance and educational funding. A preliminary Army list reviewed by CNN includes 34 schools, such as Columbia, Princeton, and Yale, for law and other graduate programs according to CNN. Critics warn the policy could disrupt recruitment and retention, as educational benefits are a key incentive for high-performing officers. Service members currently enrolled in affected programs will be allowed to complete their courses.
Hegseth's directive has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue it redirects resources to programs aligned with military priorities, while opponents, including lawmakers and military experts, caution against limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) called the move a "political ploy" that risks national security by stifling critical thinking.
The financial implications remain unclear, though Hegseth emphasized savings from discontinuing "expensive universities" that undercut our mission. The Department of War has not disclosed specific budgetary figures but stated ongoing evaluations will determine long-term fiscal impacts. As the policy unfolds, stakeholders await clarity on how the military will balance academic rigor, strategic education, and fiscal responsibility in reshaping its workforce development model.
