Long regarded as one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, Harvard University holds a unique place in the American imagination. That reputation has also made it a magnet for rumors and dubious claims involving its students, policies and research. Additionally, in 2025, the university found itself in the political spotlight amid tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
In late May 2025, for instance, we broke down claims that a student from Norway was evacuated from Harvard because of vague "safety concerns." (The actual reason for the student's return home, according to the original source, was uncertainty over their visa status.) Another example involved Harvard's free online course about the U.S. Constitution, which sparked confusion over what was being offered and by whom.
Another rumor falsely asserted that Harvard had posted a "corrected" version of a letter from government official Linda McMahon about ending federal grant funding. Yet another claim alleged that Harvard students created a facial recognition tool to "dox" strangers using Meta's smart glasses.
Online rumors frequently involved public figures connected to Harvard. False claims have circulated about Malia Obama, the daughter of former President Barack Obama, being suspended and then reinstated at Harvard by presidential order, and about Barron Trump, Donald Trump's youngest child, being rejected from the school — despite no credible evidence to support either story.
Here are nine...
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