Former President Trump has received an unexpected endorsement from Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Democratic activist and recent Harvard graduate, who expressed disapproval of Vice President Kamala Harris. This comes as the New York Times' Michelle Goldberg analyzes Trump's renewed focus on higher education, predicting a potential crackdown on leftist ideologies within academia.

Goldberg anticipates that Trump's efforts might find support among those weary of what she terms "tedious corporate D.E.I. trainings" and disruptive student protests. However, she also expresses concern that this "climate of liberal resignation" could mask a more significant power play by the Trump administration to exert political influence over higher education.

Goldberg suggests that some of Trump's actions might be framed as responses to campus antisemitism, a particularly sensitive issue in the wake of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. She highlights Trump's swift action on education through executive orders, including investigations into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in institutions with substantial endowments, notably Ivy League universities.

Another executive order, as outlined by Goldberg, aims to address the presence of foreign students and professors engaging in anti-Israel activism. This aligns with Trump's campaign promises and seeks to ensure that individuals residing in the U.S. are not hostile towards the nation's citizens, culture, government, or institutions.

Goldberg interprets these initial executive orders and Trump's rhetoric against DEI and other leftist policies as the beginning of a concerted effort to diminish the influence of the academic left. Will Creeley, legal director of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), voiced concerns to Goldberg about the potential threats to academic freedom and the First Amendment rights of those expressing views unpopular with the administration.

Trump's actions include rescinding a Biden-era executive order promoting racial equity and support for underserved communities. He has also taken steps towards dismantling DEI programs within the federal government through a separate executive order aimed at "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing."