What’s behind Trump’s crackdown on universities — and why it matters

Enlarge this image Harvard banners hang in front of Widener Library during the 374th Harvard Commencement in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Rick Friedman/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Rick Friedman/AFP via Getty Images Harvard banners hang in front of Widener Library during the 374th Harvard Commencement in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Rick Friedman/AFP via Getty Images The Trump administration has thrown so many curveballs at colleges and universities, it can be hard to keep track. But there’s logic behind the many efforts, from cutting research grants to detaining international students involved in activism.NPR’s Ari Shapiro talks with White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben and education correspondent Elissa Nadworny about what’s at stake in the federal government’s multi-pronged assault on higher education and what the administration hopes to accomplish. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Email us at [email protected]. Sponsor Message This episode was produced by Michelle Aslam with audio engineering by Ted Mebane. It was edited by Sarah Handel, Lauren Migaki and Kelsey Snell. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.