According to American media, the new rule will take effect at the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year. Those military personnel who are already in training will be able to complete their courses, but no new enrollments will be conducted.
The Pentagon chief characterized Harvard as a "breeding ground for globalist and radical ideologies," which he believes do not align with the interests of the U.S. Armed Forces.
"Too many of our officers are becoming like Harvard graduates, with ideas filled with globalist and radical concepts. We are raising warriors, not activists," Hegseth emphasized.
As of September 2025, more than 100 cadets and midshipmen, as well as 78 veterans, were studying at Harvard.
Interestingly, Pete Hegseth himself is a graduate of this university, where he earned a master's degree in public policy.
The Pentagon noted that this decision is part of a broader review of military training programs at civilian universities. Similar reassessments may affect other prestigious educational institutions as well.
The refusal to cooperate with Harvard marks another step in the protracted confrontation between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and the leading universities in the country. Previously, the government threatened Harvard with the suspension of federal grants and contracts worth billions of dollars, demanding institutional changes and initiating several investigations into the university.
