News Summary
Harvard University’s recent commencement ceremony featured a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing themes of personal empowerment and political grievances. The event unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing legal battles regarding international student enrollment and broader discussions on civil rights. Notably, the ceremony celebrated historic milestones, including the first Chinese woman to deliver a commencement speech. Protests also marked the day, reflecting ideological divides within the university environment as it navigates its role amid complex political dynamics.
Cambridge, Massachusetts — Harvard University celebrated its 2025 commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025, at Coleman Coliseum, amidst a complex backdrop of legal battles and political discourse. The event featured a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump, who combined graduation advice with themes typical of his campaign rallies. His remarks urged students to trust their instincts and not perceive themselves as victims, often paralleling his own political grievances.
Trump celebrated the graduates as “the first graduating class of the golden age of America” and called upon them to actively pursue their futures. His address touched on various topics, including tariffs, rising egg prices, and contentious issues such as transgender rights, which drew enthusiastic responses from the audience.
This year’s ceremony coincided with a legal victory for Harvard as U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to revoke the university’s ability to enroll international students. The judge characterized the government’s attempts as “draconian” and provided a preliminary injunction to keep the status quo of Harvard’s student visa program intact indefinitely.
Harvard has been embroiled in a legal struggle with the Trump administration, which includes a lawsuit concerning the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal funds due to the university’s refusal to meet specific administration demands. Observers suggest that the administration’s actions against Harvard are influenced by the university’s status as a prestigious institution that champions liberal values, particularly in diversity and inclusion.
During the commencement, Harvard President Alan Garber received a standing ovation for his subtle acknowledgment of the university’s ongoing commitment to international students in the face of increasing pressure from the Trump administration. The featured commencement speaker, Dr. Abraham Verghese, emphasized the significant contributions of international students to the U.S. medical sector and positioned the presidency as a challenge to civil rights.
The graduating class also included Yurong “Luanna” Jiang, who made history as the first Chinese woman to deliver a commencement speech at Harvard. Her address focused on the importance of unity and understanding among graduates, resonating with current societal concerns about polarization and division. Jiang advocated for compassion towards those seen as adversaries, reflecting a broader call for empathy in today’s fractured landscape.
Co-student speaker Thor Reimann highlighted the timely relevance of the graduating class’s commitment to Harvard’s motto of truth, noting that they leave behind an institution currently embroiled in a national discourse on higher education. The sentiment was echoed by multiple attendees as they pointed to the significance of navigating their educational paths amid contentious political and social climates.
The commencement day was also marked by protests, where banners advocating for divestment from Israel were displayed from campus buildings, highlighting ongoing tensions related to campus activism and institutional policies. These protests underscored the broader ideological conflict between the Trump administration and key educational institutions like Harvard, which are often viewed as oppositional.
Legal representatives for Harvard have been actively involved in court hearings leading up to the commencement, emphasizing the seriousness of the university’s fight for autonomy in educational governance. This year’s commencement, therefore, reflects a pivotal moment not just for Harvard but for higher education institutions across the United States, especially concerning the rights and treatment of international students amid a shifting political landscape.
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Additional Resources
- South China Morning Post
- Wikipedia: Harvard University
- Fox News
- Google Search: Harvard Commencement 2025
- The Guardian
- Google Scholar: Trump administration Harvard
- BBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Commencement
- Associated Press
- Google News: Harvard Commencement 2025 Trump
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