Politics
Harvard Graduation Turns into Defiant Celebration as Trump Battle Reaches Boiling Point
With threats of federal cuts and student visa blocks looming, Harvard’s 2025 commencement becomes a powerful symbol of resistance, unity, and immigrant pride.
Harvard University’s 374th commencement ceremony unfolded under the weight of an intensifying political clash with the Trump administration.
Despite facing the threat of over $100 million in lost federal contracts and the suspension of its ability to enroll international students, Harvard stood its ground—delivering a message of unity, diversity, and resilience to a crowd of nearly 30,000.
Dr. Abraham Verghese, a Stanford physician, best-selling author, and immigrant, delivered a powerful keynote address that echoed far beyond Harvard Yard. “Part of what makes America great is that it allows an immigrant like me to blossom,” he said to thunderous applause, offering a pointed yet hopeful contrast to Trump’s isolationist policies.
Verghese, himself a recipient of the National Humanities Medal, directly addressed the turmoil surrounding the school. “A cascade of draconian government measures has already led to so much uncertainty and pain,” he said, calling on graduates to uphold rule of law and compassion in a time of political division.
While Harvard President Alan Garber didn’t directly mention the federal crackdown, his words still resonated. “To our students from across the globe—just as it should be,” he declared, prompting a standing ovation. Harvard’s student body includes over 27% international students, many of whom now face an uncertain future.
The tension reached a peak after President Trump proposed capping foreign student enrollment at 15% and demanded a list of international attendees. His comments, viewed by many as xenophobic, sparked student-led protests and rallies throughout the week, with graduates holding signs reading “We Belong Here” and “Education Has No Borders.”
Still, the ceremony remained peaceful, with moments of pride and inspiration outweighing fear. Class of 2025 graduate Yurong “Luanna” Jiang, originally from China, spoke about a global future built on shared humanity. “We’re starting to believe that those who think differently are not just wrong—they’re evil. But it doesn’t have to be this way,” she said.
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, addressing the senior class the day before, praised Harvard for “standing for freedom” while others in power bowed to pressure.
Meanwhile, a federal judge extended a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, ensuring international students could remain enrolled—for now.
Graduates like Ahmed Riesgo admitted politics clouded the occasion, but still saw hope. “Harvard is in a tough spot,” he said, “but we’re here to celebrate what we’ve achieved. And that still matters.”
Fellow graduate Kaylen Rivers summed it up best: “We’re not powerless.”
At a time when elite education is under siege, Harvard’s commencement reminded the nation that knowledge, diversity, and courage still walk hand in hand—even under pressure.