The Harvard Battle

Directed by Sandrine Rigaud, Serge Turquier, and Robert Libetti

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With exclusive access to Harvard and within MAGA circles, "The Harvard Battle" takes viewers behind the scenes of the confrontation between the world’s most prestigious and wealthiest university and the Trump administration. Beneath this standoff, whose roots run deep, the documentary reveals what is truly at stake: the independence of institutions of knowledge—and, with it, the future of American democracy.

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Act 1 – Fear

After October 7, 2023, Harvard is accused of allowing antisemitism to flourish. The crisis brings down its president, Claudine Gay, and gives the MAGA movement a powerful weapon in its campaign against universities. On Harvard’s campus, accusations of antisemitism and high-profile arrests have their intended effect: fear takes hold, and voices fall silent.

Act 2 – Money

After instilling fear, Trump is attacking universities with an equally formidable weapon: money. Having brought Columbia University to heel, his administration freezes billions of dollars in grants to Harvard, seeking to impose its reforms and wage war on “wokeness.” Despite its immense wealth, Harvard finds itself vulnerable. Faced with financial blackmail, one question looms: will Harvard give in?

Act 3 – Justice

After weeks of pressure, Harvard does what no one expected: it stands up to Trump. With grants frozen and international students threatened, the confrontation escalates into a legal battle. Harvard scores several victories. But behind this resistance, which has become a symbol, the university also makes concessions. How long can it stand up to those in power, and at what cost?

Directed by: Sandrine Rigaud, Serge Turquier, and Robert Libetti
Written by: Sandrine Rigaud, Mike Shum, and Robert Libetti
Production: YAMI 2 - Antoine Boukobza
Broadcaster: ARTE
Year of release: 2026
Duration: 3 x 30 min

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The excellent documentary series «The Battle of Harvard,» aired as part of a special evening program dedicated to the U.S. midterm elections, methodically dissects this deadly protocol imposed by the White House and its very real effects on American democracy, as well as on the way we collectively view knowledge in the age of post-truth. (…)
One of the documentary's greatest achievements—which plunges us back into that frenzied media frenzy—is that it gives both sides a chance to speak.
– TéléObs

Sandrine Rigaud and the filmmakers behind this documentary (…) then witness, from the inside, the relentless attacks launched by the Maga administration against the institution. This immersive experience allows them to accurately document the student protests under close scrutiny by the authorities, as well as the reactions of the professors…
- Télérama