Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration, attended Harvard University as a legacy and graduated in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in American history and literature.
Out of this entire list, RFK Jr. is the most likely to be at risk of having his degree revoked. It’s already rumored that his college roommate Peter Kaplan actually wrote RFK Jr’s A+ senior thesis. He also allegedly sold cocaine while in school and was an admitted drug addict.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz attended Harvard Law School from 1992 to 1995. Now he’s attacking his alma mater by spearheading an investigation into funding at Harvard that is supporting DEI initiatives.
In a press release, Cruz stated that “the Trump administration has been taking a sledgehammer to the radical left’s woke nonsense.” In reality, this means he is slashing $2 millions in funding for Harvard researchers.
Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Harvard Law School and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School. He completed both degrees simultaneously in 1975 through a joint JD-MBA program.
Despite his degree, he does not seem to hold a high level of respect for the university. On the campaign trail in 2012, he told supporters that his opponent Barack Obama had "spent too much time at Harvard.”
Florida Governer Ron DeSantis has never been proud of his Harvard roots. He graduated from Harvard Law in 2005, but wrote in his book The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival that he viewed the degree as a “scarlett letter” in the GOP Primary.
In a 2023 interview on the Howie Carr Show, DeSantis said, “At this point with the Ivy League, with how nuts they’ve gotten, if I see a Harvard résumé across my desk, I’m running the other way.”
Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon is in full support of the Trump administration’s ban on international students at Harvard. Bannon said, “I don't think that in the 18th and 19th centuries, they were packed with foreign students when Harvard was at the top of its game. Harvard now is a disaster, and I say this as a graduate.”
Bannon graduated Harvard Business School with an M.B.A. in 1985 and has had his share of legal problems since. In 2024, he did a four-month prison sentence after being convicted in 2022 of contempt of Congress for ignoring a subpoena from the House Select Committee probing the January 6 Capitol riot.
Donald Trump’s own son-in-law and former senior advisor, Jared Kushner, is a Harvard alumnus. He graduated from Harvard with honors in 2003, but controversy surrounds his acceptance into the Ivy League school.
It’s reported that Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner, pledged $2.5 million to the university in 1998 just before his son’s acceptance. Rich people have a long history of buying their mediocre children spots in prestigious universities.
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton graduated from Harvard College in 1998 with a degree in government and Harvard Law School in 2002. While there, he was known for expressing dissenting views on issues through his contributions to The Harvard Crimson.
Recently, Cotton has been critical of Harvard University, citing concerns over its ties to the Chinese Communist Party. He called for an investigation into whether Harvard may have violated U.S. sanctions by collaborating with organizations linked to forced labor and other abuses.
Former Nebraska Senator and University of Florida president Ben Sasse earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Harvard College in 1994. He has criticized Harvard for limiting open debate by promoting ideological conformity.
Sasse recently wrote a opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal where he encourages Trump’s actions, hoping that he will force Harvard and other universities to “improve.”
Former Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross graduated from Harvard Business School in 1961 with a Master of Business Administration degree. His time at Harvard furthered his foundation in finance, enabling him to pursue a successful career in investment banking and restructuring.
Ross is probably the least likely on this list to have his degree revoked, but we felt compelled to include him because of his degree and high political influence. He served on Trump’s administration during his first term.
Former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo graduated from Harvard Law School in 1994. In 2017, Pompeo bailed on a scheduled appearance at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government because the school had chosen to make Chelsea Manning, convicted of leaking classified information, a visiting fellow.
He wrote in a letter to a school official, “Harvard’s actions implicitly tell its students that you too can be a fellow at Harvard and a felon under United States law.” This statement didn’t age well considering his outspoken support for convicted felon and current President Donald Trump.
Alexander Acosta graduated from Harvard College in 1990 and Harvard Law School in 1994. During his time at Harvard, he contributed to the Harvard Latino Law Review and participated in the social club Lincoln's Inn.
Acosta showed strong support for Donald Trump, serving as his Secretary of Labor during his first term. However, Acosta faced significant criticism for his role in a controversial plea deal involving Jeffrey Epstein, which led to his 2019 resignation from the position.
Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan graduated from Harvard University in 1987 with a degree in economics. Despite the prestige associated with his alma mater, he has expressed a strong dislike for Harvard, recently stating, "I hate Harvard. I’ve been fighting it since I graduated."
Sullivan's criticism extends to Harvard’s handling of protests, particularly those he views as antisemitic. Referring to a protest in Harvard’s Widener Library, he labeled the university’s leadership as "craven" and claimed they failed to maintain civil discourse, further fueling his disapproval of the institution.
Pat Toomey graduated from Harvard University in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree in Government. Although he hasn’t been as outspoken as some of his fellow Republicans, he has criticized Harvard in the past.
Toomey said on NewsNation’s “The Hill” that the school hasn’t done a good enough job of making Jewish students feel safe on campus, which aligns with Trump’s current attack. However, he called the administration’s reaction “a bit over the top” and hopes it will deescalate.
Brian Mast, a decorated veteran, graduated from Harvard Extension School in 2016. Despite facing immense challenges, he completed his degree, demonstrating resilience and determination. His success reflects his commitment to self-improvement and serving his community.
Mast supports Donald Trump as Trump critiques Harvard for its alleged biases. Sharing conservative values, Mast aligns with Trump in holding institutions accountable. Despite his Harvard connection, Mast backs efforts to address perceived issues with the university.
Martha McSally earned a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School in 1990. Her time at Harvard highlighted her persistence and drive, laying the groundwork for her pivotal career in the military and public service.
McSally, a loyal Trump ally, supports his critiques of Harvard, aligning with his call for greater accountability in higher education. Despite her academic connection, she emphasizes shared conservative values in challenging alleged institutional bias.
John Moolenaar earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1989. His Harvard education shaped his career in public service, but he remains critical of the institution.
He’s recently raised concerns about Harvard's possible connections to the Chinese military. He’s leading the efforts to investigate these alleged ties and supporting Trump’s war against the college despite his own personal connection.
Bruce Poliquin graduated from Harvard University in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. His education at Harvard provided a foundation for his business and political career, shaping his values and approach to governance.
Aligned with Trump's recent criticism of Harvard, Poliquin has voiced support for holding such institutions accountable. Despite his Harvard background, he emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness in higher education policies.
Former governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker graduated from Harvard University in 1979. Known for his pragmatic leadership style, Baker's ties to Harvard remain a significant part of his background.
Recently, Baker voiced support for Donald Trump, who is criticizing Harvard for its policies and decisions. Baker’s stance has surprised many, given his history as a moderate, but it reflects his growing alignment with Trump's agenda.
Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts earned both his bachelor's and law degrees from Harvard University, graduating in 1976 and 1979. His accomplishments showcase his close connection to the prestigious institution.
Roberts previously supported Donald Trump during his presidency, which raised eyebrows due to his judicial role. Now, as Trump targets Harvard over certain policies, Roberts’ history with both Trump and the university adds a layer of complexity.
California Congressman Kevin Kiley graduated from Harvard University, where he completed his law degree in 2015. In October of 2023, Kiley called for the Harvard President to resign following her inaction regarding antisemitism on campus, which she would later do.
In a January 2024 statement, he called for “a dramatic course correction” because “universities have completely lost their way.” Trump seems to be working directly toward that, and Kiley recently said in a Fox Business interview that “Harvard has an obligation to comply with the Trump administration’s requests.”
