Conan O'Brien Skewers Trump During 2026 Harvard Commencement
O'Brien used a 25-minute 2026 Harvard commencement speech to mock the Trump administration, defend international students, and urge humility as Harvard faces lawsuits, funding cuts and campus protests.
FOX NewsComedian Conan O'Brien fires back at Trump administration during Harvard commencement speech
Daily BeastConan O'Brien Takes Aim at Trump in Fiery Commencement Speech
Boston GlobeConan O'Brien inspires grads, rips Trump administration at 2026 Harvard commencement
HuffPostConan O’Brien Speaks At Harvard Commencement As Trump Tightens Pressure On The School
Overview
Conan O'Brien delivered a 25-minute commencement address at the 2026 Harvard ceremony, mixing self-deprecating humor with sharp barbs aimed at the Trump administration.
His remarks came as the Trump administration sued Harvard in March and had slashed more than $2.6 billion in the university's research funding while trying to limit international students.
More than 4,000 striking graduate student workers picketed commencement seeking higher pay, independent harassment-complaint processes and protections for noncitizen and disabled workers, organizers said.
A judge months earlier sided with Harvard and ordered the administration to reverse billions in funding cuts after the administration had ended federal contracts, according to court rulings.
Harvard has argued it was being illegally penalized and continues to contest the administration's actions while campus demonstrations and graduate worker contract negotiations remain unresolved.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources portray Harvard as an embattled victim of the Trump administration by using loaded verbs ("in the crosshairs," "attacks") and emphasizing funding cuts and court rulings while highlighting campus protest imagery; they foreground Harvard perspectives (legal argument, student grievances) more than administration rationale, shaping a narrative of institutional defense over federal policy critique.