Steve Kerr’s Harvard Shirt Sparks Controversy with Trump and Chamath

On April 15, 2025, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr stirred up a big debate by wearing a Harvard basketball shirt after his team’s 121-116 play-in win over the Memphis Grizzlies. This wasn’t just about fashion—it was a bold move against President Donald Trump’s policies toward Harvard. Let’s break down what happened, why Trump got involved, and how a former Warriors owner, Chamath Palihapitiya, fired back.

Kerr’s Harvard Shirt Protest

After the Warriors secured the No. 7 seed in the West, Kerr showed up to his press conference in a Harvard shirt, a gift from Harvard coach Tommy Amaker. Kerr said, “I believe in academic freedom,” arguing that schools like Harvard shouldn’t be told what to teach by the government. He called Trump a “bully” for freezing $2.2 billion in Harvard’s federal grants and $60 million in contracts. Kerr, a known Trump critic who backed Kamala Harris in 2024, said it was the “dumbest thing” he’d ever heard. But was Kerr really standing up for freedom, or just pushing a liberal agenda? Some fans on X think the NBA’s gone too political, with one saying, “This is WHY we don’t watch NBA.”

Trump’s Crackdown on Harvard

President Trump’s administration targeted Harvard for not following new rules meant to tackle antisemitism and limit diversity programs. On April 14, 2025, Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, refused to comply, saying the demands violated the school’s rights. Trump froze $2.2 billion in funding and even threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status. He called Harvard a “joke,” saying it shouldn’t get taxpayer money if it won’t follow the rules. With Harvard’s $53 billion endowment, many conservatives agree—why should taxpayers fund a school that doesn’t align with American values like free speech for all, especially when some say it’s failed to protect Jewish students?

Chamath Palihapitiya Slams Kerr

Former Warriors part-owner Chamath Palihapitiya didn’t hold back. On April 18, 2025, he called Kerr a “hapless rube” on X, accusing him of “blindly defending” a school with a $53 billion balance sheet that’s been criticized for poor free speech scores and antisemitism issues. Palihapitiya, who sold his Warriors stake in 2022, even said his 4-year-old could’ve won the titles Kerr did, giving credit to the team’s talent instead. He argued Harvard’s a corporation, not a victim, and shouldn’t get special treatment. His harsh words echo what many conservatives feel: Kerr’s out of touch, and Harvard doesn’t need defending.

Why This Matters

Kerr’s shirt wasn’t just about Harvard—it’s part of a bigger fight. Trump’s pushing to hold schools accountable, while Kerr’s stance has some fans tuning out of the NBA. Chamath’s comments show not everyone in the Warriors’ circle agrees with Kerr. With Harvard’s massive wealth, should it really get federal funds if it won’t play by the rules? This clash highlights the divide between elite institutions and those who want them to prioritize American values over liberal ideals.