STANFORD professor Abraham Verghese didn’t hold back during Harvard’s 2025 commencement speech, boldly declaring, “We are in the midst of a cascade of draconian government measures.” His words resonated with a crowd facing an unprecedented political climate.
At this significant event, Verghese not only served as the commencement speaker but also received an honorary degree from the prestigious institution. Harvard, known for being a hotbed of political discourse, has recently faced pushback from the Trump administration, which threatened to cut federal funding and change visa programs amidst accusations of antisemitism on campus.
“We are in the midst of a cascade of draconian government measures.”
Verghese’s speech sparked reactions on social media, with many celebrating his stand against the current administration. Influencer and author, Amanda Palmer, titled her tweet “#VergheseForPresident, advocating for leadership that fosters inclusivity.