Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews surprised viewers Tuesday on Morning Joe by saying the Trump administration was “smart” to target elite universities like Harvard over their handling of antisemitism. The comments come after the administration froze $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard, citing the school’s refusal to comply with federal demands to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs, ban masks at campus protests, enact merit-based hiring and admissions reforms, and reduce the power of faculty and administrators.
What to Know:
- Matthews said elite schools are “taking a beating” and suggested the administration’s actions won’t hurt Trump politically.
- He criticized universities for reportedly failing to protect students, saying even non-Jewish students should be able to attend class without disruption.
- Vanity Fair’s Molly Jong-Fast pushed back, calling the move “thought policing” and “authoritarian.”
- “They are using antisemitism as a cloak. If this administration really cared about antisemitism, there’s a lot of stuff they could do. This is not about that, this is about targeting universities, this is about targeting speech, this is right out of an authoritarian playbook,” Fast said.
- Matthews responded by stressing that many Jewish students feel unsafe and that universities need to do more.
- Trump’s freeze of multi-year contracts and grants comes amid rising tensions between the federal government and elite academic institutions.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest.
08:23 AM EDT China has appointed Li Chenggang as its new trade negotiator as tensions with the United States continue to rise over tariffs. Li replaces Wang Shouwen, who helped negotiate the 2020 trade deal with the U.S.
The leadership change comes as China faces 145% U.S. tariffs on its exports, while retaliating with 125% tariffs on American goods. President Donald Trump’s administration recently extended tariff waivers to dozens of other countries, but not China.
Li’s appointment signals Beijing’s intent to push back firmly, while promoting China as a stable global trade partner. A former ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Li is expected to bring experience and a free-trade stance to the table. Talks, however, remain stalled, with both sides nearing a tariff stalemate.
08:08 AM EDT California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state will file a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs. The lawsuit will argue that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to enact tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China is unlawful. The state also claims that such tariffs require congressional approval.
The lawsuit, which will be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, follows Trump’s justification for the tariffs, including promoting U.S. manufacturing and combating illicit fentanyl trafficking. Newsom, however, argues that the tariffs have inflated costs and caused billions in damage to California, the nation’s largest state economy.
“President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy,” Newsom said, citing the negative impacts on jobs and prices. The state is requesting that the court immediately block the tariffs.
The announcement follows Newsom’s recent request for California exports to be exempted from retaliatory tariffs, though no agreements have been made. Newsom will discuss the lawsuit later today with California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) on April 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Former U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) on April 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Scott Olson/Getty Images
On Tuesday, Joe Biden criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk for their aggressive efforts to dismantle parts of the federal government, particularly the Social Security Administration. In his first public remarks since leaving office, Biden condemned the new administration’s actions, calling Social Security a “sacred promise” that more than 70 million Americans depend on.
Addressing the National Conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago, Biden argued that the Trump administration had already caused significant damage in less than 100 days. He likened their approach to the Silicon Valley philosophy of “move fast and break things,” adding that they were “shooting first and aiming later” when it came to government functions.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks with a reporter outside the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Washington. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks with a reporter outside the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo
The CEO of an outdoor clothing and equipment retailer has retracted its previous support for Doug Burgum‘s nomination as secretary of the interior.
Mary Beth Laughton, new president and CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), said that her company now regrets signing a letter in support of Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota.
“Signing that letter was a mistake,” Laughton said in a video message posted to Instagram on April 9. “The actions that the administration has taken on public lands are completely at odds with the long-standing values of REI.”
Newsweek has contacted the Department of the Interior via email outside of regular business hours for comment.
The president enjoyed the direct and tacit endorsement of many of America’s most influential business leaders prior to his inauguration. However, recent policies—especially those related to economics and trade—have started to alienate some companies, the interests or operations of which now conflict with the administration’s agenda.
REI, alongside several American outdoor recreation companies signed a letter sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in January, expressing their “strong support” for Burgum’s nomination.
“Governor Burgum’s history of support for outdoor recreation, the outdoor recreation economy, and the protection of public lands and waters makes his leadership critical for the Administration and the Department,” the letter read.
“Governor Burgum has shown a commitment to supporting outdoor recreation as an economic driver and a meaningful way to connect communities,” it continued.
Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.
07:24 AM EDT Trump announced that he will attend a meeting with Japanese officials to discuss tariffs, military support costs, and “trade fairness.”
Treasury and Commerce Secretaries will also be present. “Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA!” he wrote on Truth Social.
