Former first lady Michelle Obama addressed divorce rumors on the “Work in Progress” podcast, while former President Barack Obama praised Harvard University for resisting the Trump administration’s conditions for federal funding. The White House is freezing grants and contracts for Harvard after they refused to implement certain changes. Obama commended Harvard for standing up for academic freedom and urged other institutions to follow suit. He also warned against sacrificing democratic values and encouraged universities and law firms to resist intimidation from the Trump administration. A U.S. Department of Education task force condemned Harvard’s decision, stating that federal investment comes with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws. President Donald Trump has been targeting leading universities for not complying with his demands, citing concerns over antisemitism on college campuses. Immigration officials are now screening social media for antisemitic activity in order to block immigration benefits. The administration’s stance is to not admit or allow those sympathetic to terrorist groups to stay in the United States. Overall, the Obamas’ statements reflect their support for academic freedom and civil rights while highlighting the current political climate surrounding issues of antisemitism and terrorism.
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