Even those who aren’t surprised by the simple fact of Donald Trump’s assault on America’s universities must be shocked by the full frontal magnitude of it all, belated attempts to walk back parts of it, notwithstanding. (Harvard is putting up a courageous, clever, and effective defense.)
They need everyone to be sick, stupid, and scared.
A healthy and broadly educated population which feels safe and secure is incompatible with, and toxic to, conservative and authoritarian ideologies.