“The Daily Show” correspondent Ronny Chieng on Tuesday said Harvard University could be part of a “new resistance” to President Donald Trump after the Ivy League institution refused to bow to the administration’s funding threats.
“Holy shit, we finally found a force more powerful than Trump’s hatred: Harvard’s love of sending rejection letters,” Chieng quipped.
The Trump administration froze over $2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard — one of a number of colleges and universities that the federal government has attacked under the pretexts of combating antisemitism, transgender rights, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
After Harvard refused to kiss Trump’s ring, the institution has seen support from Stanford University officials and alumni like former President Barack Obama.
On Tuesday, Trump suggested stripping Harvard of its tax-exempt status as he further sought to punish the institution for not giving in to his administration’s demands.
“Look, I don’t usually root for Harvard because they’re Harvard. They’ve got everything,” Chieng said. “It’s like rooting for Jeff Bezos to win the lottery.”
The comedian proceeded to give Harvard props for standing up for itself even if it means “possible financial ruin” before turning to a “Good Morning America” clip where ABC News’ Matt Gutman questioned whether the institution could dip into its $50 billion-plus endowment to make up for the federal shortfall.
“OK, I hate them again,” Chieng joked.
Watch more of Chieng’s Tuesday monologue on “The Daily Show” below.