Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr infuriated Donald Trump supporters by pledging his support to Harvard amid the school’s escalating feud with the president.
Kerr, who coached the US men’s Olympic team to a gold medal in Paris last summer, wore a Harvard T-shirt to his press conference after the Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this week.
The Trump administration has launched a widely condemned crackdown against top American universities, including Harvard, over pro-Palestinian campus protests and a range of other culture war issues like transgender rights and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Trump is furious at the storied institution for rejecting government supervision of its admissions, hiring practices and political slant and ordered the freezing of $2.2billion in federal funding to Harvard this week.
When asked about his outfit of choice Kerr, well known for his liberal views and a supporter of Kamala Harris in last year’s election, said: ‘It’s crucial for all of our institutions to be able to handle their own business the way they want to.
‘They should not be shaken down and told what to teach, what to say by our government. Way to go, way to stand up to the bully.’
Warriors coach Steve Kerr infuriated Donald Trump supporters by publicly supporting Harvard
Fans rushed to social media to blast Kerr’s support of Harvard, with some accusing him of spreading ‘liberal garbage’.
One fan wrote: ‘Steve Kerr is the perfect representation of the kind of liberal garbage that comes out of institutions like Harvard!’
Another posted: ‘Kerr is not a Harvard supporter. He’s a Trump hater. Always has been.’
‘No one likes the NBA and their opinions – just coach guys to dribble,’ commented another.
One said: ‘Kerr is the type of person who reads 1 page of a book and says he knows the story.’
‘Fine by me. Harvard can do what they want. No need in giving the taxpayer money. Full stop,’ another added to the debate.
A user added: ‘Yes they can handle business how they want to but not if they are getting funding from the federal government.’
Trump called Harvard a ‘joke’ on Wednesday and said it should lose its government research contracts.
He also threatened to ban the storied institution from admitting foreign students unless it bows to the requirements, amid reports officials were considering revoking the university’s tax-exempt status.
‘Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World’s Great Universities or Colleges,’ Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
‘Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.’
Trump has launched a widely condemned crackdown against top American universities
Trump even called Harvard a ‘joke’ and said it should lose its government research contracts
The Department of Homeland Security also canceled $2.7million worth of research grants to Harvard and threatened the university’s ability to enroll international students unless it turns over records on visa-holders’ ‘illegal and violent activities.’
‘If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,’ a DHS statement said, with Secretary Kristi Noem accusing the university of ‘bending the knee to antisemitism.’
International students made up 27.2 percent of Harvard’s enrollment this academic year, according to its website.
Other institutions, including Columbia University, have bowed to less far-ranging demands from the Trump administration, which claims that the educational elite is too left-wing.
Harvard has flatly rejected the pressure, with its president, Alan Garber, saying that the university refuses to ‘negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights.’
