Tensions are rising across American academia as the Trump administration froze over $2 billion in multi-year grants and contracts at Harvard University after its leaders refused to make key policy changes the White House also is demanding of other elite US colleges.

Several high-profile Democrats spoke out in support of Harvard University's decision, including former President Barack Obama. See what they said.

President Donald Trump today threatened Harvard's tax-exempt status just one day after announcing that the government would freeze $2.2 billion in grants to the university. This follows Harvard's refusal to give in to Trump administration demands for government oversight and reforms including requirements to “audit” the viewpoints of the student body,