Could billions in frozen Ivy League research funds soon power up America’s trade schools? If former President Donald Trump has his way, that’s exactly what might happen.
In a bold Memorial Day post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump floated the idea of redirecting $3 billion in frozen research grant funding from Harvard University to vocational and trade schools across the country. The announcement, while lacking policy specifics, has sparked widespread discussion.
What Did Trump Say?
Trump didn’t mince words. Here’s the exact quote from his Truth Social post:
“I am considering taking THREE BILLION DOLLARS of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land.”
This message was part of a broader set of posts, where Trump also accused Harvard of being uncooperative in providing data on foreign students—specifically to identify individuals he referred to as “radicalized lunatics.”
Why Is This Happening Now?
This latest statement isn’t coming out of the blue. The $3 billion in question has already been frozen or pulled by Trump’s administration from Harvard and its research partners. What’s new is the suggestion that those funds could fuel America’s vocational training sector, which he often touts as vital to rebuilding the middle class.
But let’s be clear: no formal plan has been announced, and the logistics of redistributing federal research grants to trade schools—many of which operate under different funding mechanisms—are complex.
What Are Trade Schools—and Why Do They Matter?
Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, offer hands-on training in fields like plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, welding, automotive repair, and more recently, cybersecurity and healthcare technology. Unlike four-year universities, these programs often lead directly to jobs—and fast.
In a job market that increasingly values practical skills and certifications, trade schools are having a renaissance. Many Americans are turning to them as a cost-effective, high-return alternative to traditional college paths.
What’s the Bigger Picture?
This proposal is part of a broader political strategy to apply pressure on elite institutions, especially Harvard, which Trump has repeatedly criticized for alleged antisemitism, foreign funding ties, and political bias.
But there’s also a populist angle: Trump is appealing to everyday Americans—especially those skeptical of elite academia—by championing trade schools as engines of opportunity and economic revival.
Will This Actually Happen?
Right now, there are more questions than answers. Key among them:
- Can frozen research funds legally be redirected to vocational programs?
- Will Congress support such a move?
- How would the funds be distributed across states and institutions?
Despite the lack of concrete steps, the message is clear: Trump wants to shake up the traditional flow of education funding, and he’s making trade schools the new poster child for his vision.
Why This Matters to You
Whether you’re a student, parent, or policymaker, this proposal could affect the future of American education. The idea of rebalancing the scales between elite universities and hands-on training programs is gaining momentum—not just in politics, but in public opinion.
Did You Know? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many skilled trades are projected to see strong job growth through 2030, with some offering median annual wages above $60,000—often without a four-year degree.
Final Thoughts
While Trump’s suggestion is still just that—a suggestion—it shines a spotlight on the growing debate about how we fund education and what kind of learning truly powers the American Dream. Whether this plan moves forward or not, it’s clear that vocational training is taking center stage in the national conversation.
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