Radar and radio glitches

Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson has opposed the bill in its current form, arguing it will increase the national deficit, which is the difference between the amount of money the federal government spends and the amount it earns through revenue. Johnson said the House bill would add “$4 trillion” to the deficit. In 2024, the deficit was $1.83 trillion.Republican Kentucky Senator Rand Paul raised similar concerns during a Fox News interview on May 25, saying while he supports parts of the bill, it would “explode the debt”.

But if the bill does pass and is signed by Trump, “it will apply to all colleges and universities” that meet the conditions set in the legislation, Saulnier said.How have universities reacted?“This legislation presents a greater threat to Yale than any other bill in memory,” Yale President Maurie McInnis said in a statement released on May 22.

“The endowment tax places more financial burden on students by making college less affordable. Taxing schools reduces the revenue available for financial aid,” she wrote, adding that “the endowment tax will undermine the country’s global leadership in technology.”During a faculty meeting in 2024, Harvard President Alan M Garber called a raise in endowment taxes “the threat that keeps me up at night”.

How did we get here?

The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked higher education institutions, alleging they fail to curb anti-Semitism, or for “illegal and immoral discrimination” in the form of diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) programmes.Behind the scenes, there have also been reports that Musk clashed with members of Trump’s cabinet, who may seek relief from cuts to their departments after Musk’s exit.

Musk’s foray into government has caused blowback for his companies as well, with protests at Tesla dealerships spreading across the country. Profits plunged 71 percent at Tesla in the first three months of the year, with shareholders calling for Musk to return to work.When asked by a reporter if Musk’s time in government was “worth it”, he was circumspect. He explained that he felt DOGE had become seen as a “boogeyman”, blamed for any effort to overhaul the federal government.

But he reaffirmed his commitment to being a “friend and adviser to the president” and said the experience was worthwhile.“I think it was. I think [it] was an important thing,” he added. “I think it was a necessary thing, and I think it will have a good effect in the future.”