‘He Didn't Get Into Harvard’: Michael Wolff Links Trump’s Feud With Ivy League Past
U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating conflict with Harvard University has once again grabbed headlines, but the reasons behind his disdain for the Ivy League institution remain the subject of speculation. While online chatter has linked it to his son Barron allegedly being denied admission, a more personal history may be at play, according to his longtime biographer Michael Wolff.
Wolff, author of several books chronicling Trump’s political and personal life, suggested during a recent podcast with The Daily Beast that the feud traces back to Trump's own past — specifically, his failure to gain admission to Harvard decades ago.
“He didn’t get into Harvard, and that seems to have lingered,” Wolff remarked. “It’s part of his pattern of holding long-term grudges against elite institutions.”
Trump’s academic journey included a stint at Fordham University, followed by a transfer to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he earned a degree in economics. Whether he ever applied to Harvard, however, remains undocumented. No official records or biographies have confirmed a rejection.
Responding to Wolff’s comments, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers dismissed the claims as baseless, labeling both Wolff and The Daily Beast as purveyors of “fake news.” Rogers further insisted that Trump didn’t need a Harvard degree to become a “successful businessman and the most transformative President in history.”
But Trump’s friction with the university extends beyond personal resentment. Since returning to office, he has launched a series of sharp actions against Harvard, accusing it of fostering antisemitism on campus. In a dramatic move, the administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to the institution and issued conditions for the funds’ release—conditions Harvard has refused to meet.
The administration’s letter to Harvard last week added more fuel to the fire. It barred the university from admitting international students amid an ongoing federal investigation, only allowing a reversal if the institution complied within 72 hours. Harvard declined, calling the ultimatum “unlawful.”
According to sources, the Trump administration has subsequently ordered consulates to conduct more stringent visa inspections for scholars and students planning to visit Harvard for any reason.
Wolff believes the former president’s fixation with Harvard is not just policy-driven but also performative. “Trump is a showman. He needs a worthy villain for his narrative, and Harvard—with all its prestige—fits that role perfectly,” he said.
Whether this is a case of old wounds resurfacing or a calculated political act, one thing is clear: Trump’s battle with Harvard is far from over, and it’s drawing national attention once again.
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