Steve Kerr wears Harvard shirt to protest Trump’s federal funding freeze: 'Way to stand up to the bully'

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr wore a Harvard shirt for a press conference in response to President Donald Trump's funding freeze for the university.

The Trump administration announced on Monday, April 14, that it would freeze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and contracts for Harvard University.

The decision was taken after the university President Alan M Garber announced the same day that the school would not be complying with the Trump administration's demands to combat antisemitism, according to Fox News.

Steve Kerr wears Harvard shirt after Donald Trump's funding freeze

Steve Kerr spoke to reporters after his team, the Golden State Warriors, defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in the play-in tournament on Wednesday, April 16, to earn the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

Drawing laughter from the crowd, he jokingly asked, "Is something going on?"

He continued, "Tommy Amaker (Harvard coach) is a friend of mine. He sent me this shirt, and it felt like a great day to wear it. I believe in academic freedom. I believe it’s crucial for all of our institutions to be able to handle their own business the way they want to, and they should not be shaken down and told what to teach, what to say, by our government."

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard, but it's kind of par for the course right now. This is me supporting Harvard. Way to go, way to stand up to the bully," he added.

Interestingly, Kerr has long opposed Trump and also endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.

Meanwhile, Harvard University's President said that the federal government has threatened partnerships with several universities, including Harvard, over accusations of antisemitism on campuses, per Fox News.

Moreover, he added that the Trump administration issued an updated and expanded list of demands and stated that if the school plans to maintain a financial relationship with the federal government, then it must comply with these.

Garber wrote, "It makes clear that the intention is not to work with us to address antisemitism in a cooperative and constructive manner. We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement."

Internet trolls Steve Kerr for wearing Harvard shirt

Several internet users trolled Steve Kerr as he wore a Harvard shirt for a press conference in response to Donald Trump's funding freeze for the university.

A user wrote on X, "Says the man who works for an organization @NBA which fleeces taxpayers for the buildings he works in," while one added, "Missing the point as usual, cope harder!"

A person also stated, "I don't think your post went the way you thought it would Steve!!" whereas one mentioned, "Kerr figures out a way to take the wrong side on everything."

A user also wrote, "So he against the civil rights act and title nine? lol," while one commented, "Another reason to not watch the NBA."

A person also mentioned, "Hey @SteveKerr, we know you're an idiot, but if the institution gets my tax dollars, I get a say in how they operate."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.