Pit Hegset
In his statement, Hegset noted that the long-standing cooperation with Harvard did not yield the expected results. "We sent our best officers to this university, hoping that it would better understand and appreciate our military values. However, many of them returned with ideas that do not align with our goals," the minister remarked.
Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, the Pentagon will terminate military education programs, scholarships, and certificates offered by Harvard. Service members currently undergoing training will be able to complete their programs.
Hegset also recalled the important role Harvard played in the history of the American military, mentioning that in 1775, General George Washington began his command in the university's courtyard and used it as a military base. "Military service was a common occurrence at Harvard until the Korean War, and more Medal of Honor recipients were trained here than at any other institution," he added.
Nevertheless, in Hegset's opinion, Harvard is no longer a suitable place for training military personnel. He also expressed concern about the university's ties with foreign states and a culture that does not align with the values of the army and the United States. "Harvard's research initiatives collaborated with the Communist Party of China, and the atmosphere at the university fostered support for Hamas, attacks on Jews, and ongoing discrimination," he said.
In the coming weeks, the Pentagon plans to conduct an analysis of its relationships with other educational institutions.
