President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on higher education has reignited a longstanding national debate over the role of universities in American life. From accusations of ideological bias to threats of financial retaliation, his administration’s stance on elite academic institutions is prompting strong responses across the political spectrum.
At stake is more than funding: the dispute touches on core democratic values such as academic freedom, free speech, and public investment in scientific progress. As Trump’s policies draw scrutiny, a new nationwide poll reveals that many Americans question both the direction and the implications of this aggressive approach to education policy.
Trump’s University Actions Clash With Majority Opinion
A majority of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s treatment of colleges and universities, particularly his efforts to cut federal funding and demand policy changes at elite institutions.
According to a new AP-NORC poll, 56% of U.S. adults disapprove of his approach, while approximately four in ten support it. The findings underscore a sharp divide between the administration’s policies and the broader public’s view of higher education’s role in American society.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has directed a series of funding cuts and policy ultimatums at prominent institutions including Harvard University, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. These moves, largely driven by his claims of unchecked liberalism and antisemitism on campus, have raised alarm over academic autonomy.
In Harvard’s case, the administration froze over $2.2 billion in federal grants and threatened the school’s tax-exempt status—measures described by the university as an infringement on its independence, long protected by the U.S. Supreme Court.
According to the poll, the public remains largely in favour of maintaining support for scientific research: around 60% of Americans believe colleges contribute positively to medical and scientific advancements.
Similarly, most oppose the idea of withholding federal funds from institutions that do not adhere to political directives—nearly half reject funding cuts as a punitive tool, compared to only one-quarter in favour.
Public Concern Focuses on Cost, Not Campus Ideology
While Trump’s campaign has focused heavily on campus ideology and anti-liberal narratives, the American public appears more concerned about practical issues, particularly tuition costs.
The poll reveals that six in ten U.S. adults are “extremely” or “very” concerned about the price of a college education. This concern cuts across political lines and significantly outweighs issues like antisemitism or perceived liberal bias on campuses.
Many respondents expressed nuanced views on Trump’s policies. Eunice Cortez, a Republican from Texas, voiced support for the president but warned that cutting funding may hinder access to education. “College costs a lot more than it needs to,” she said, adding that federal support is vital for families like hers.
The poll also highlighted a cultural divide: 62% of college graduates oppose funding cuts for non-compliant universities, while those without degrees are more divided. Meanwhile, concerns about freedom of speech persist.
Only 30% of adults say that students and professors can speak freely “a lot” on campuses, with many Republicans believing conservative voices are marginalised. The survey was conducted among 1,175 adults by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research between 1 and 5 May, with a margin of error of ±4 percentage points.
