Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on "Face the Nation," April 20, 2025

CBS News

Weijia Jiang: Joining us from near Boston, we have the Democratic Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey. Good morning to you, Governor Healey, and happy Easter!

Gov. Maura Healey: Morning, Weijia. A joyful Easter to you and all listeners.

Funding Freeze Impact on Harvard

Weijia Jiang: Let's discuss Harvard University, located in Massachusetts and your alma mater. Recently, the Trump administration halted $2.2 billion in various grants, including $60 million in contracts, after disputes over compliance with federal conditions. Has Harvard felt the effects?

Gov. Healey: The situation is dire. When earlier NIH budget reductions were announced six weeks ago, it was a sign. Massachusetts hosts numerous esteemed academic and research institutes responsible for groundbreaking work in disease treatments, from cancer to neurological disorders, and even defense research. The funding withdrawal is causing labs to shutter and talented scientists to relocate internationally, forfeiting intellectual resources. The cuts ripple through healthcare, notably affecting hospitals like Boston Children's, which serve critically ill children. Layoffs among academic professionals, cessation of clinical trials, and the broader scientific community will suffer, hampering national competitiveness. I aspire to see Massachusetts and the U.S. thrive. However, Trump's policies invite foreign nations to poach our expertise, and exacerbate existing economic struggles. Despite my efforts to reduce state costs via tax cuts and boosting housing, Trump's actions inflate living expenses and stymie our global leadership in innovation.

State's Response and Assistance

Weijia Jiang: Has Harvard sought assistance from Massachusetts to mitigate the loss?

Gov. Healey: A state cannot compensate for such extensive federal funding reductions. Trump's cuts affect education, healthcare, nutrition, and aid for seniors. Even FEMA disaster relief was recently revoked. While I strive to safeguard Massachusetts' welfare, his policies complicate matters significantly. Take, for instance, my recent expansive housing initiative intended to curb costs. Trump's tariffs on imported materials like Canadian lumber and Mexican goods have ironically driven expenses up, making state-driven solutions insufficient.

Harvard’s Tax-Exempt Status Controversy

Weijia Jiang: Trump has also questioned Harvard's tax-exempt status, and it seems the IRS may move to revoke it. Any justification you've observed for this?

Gov. Healey: Absolutely not. This is another attempt by Trump to suppress dissenters. His pattern of intimidating law firms, businesses, and now educational institutions is clear. Trump's agenda lacks any legitimate foundation and is illegal. His recent disregard for judicial orders strengthens this unlawful branding. By threatening legal nonprofit entities, the president implies an unwarranted authority he doesn't possess, nor does any reasonable rationale support these actions.

Case of Tufts Student's Detainment

Weijia Jiang: On another note, Rumeysa Ozturk, a student at Tufts, was detained without charges in your state. Now held in Louisiana, a judge has mandated her transfer to Vermont by May 1 for proceedings over how her detention's handled. Have you liaised with her relatives or legal representatives, and is there any assistance Massachusetts can offer her?

Gov. Healey: It's a deeply concerning case. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Fulbright scholar pursuing her doctorate, has no criminal past. Reportedly, her sole involvement was contributing to a university publication. With legal processes underway, we face a stark violation of due process, a critical pillar of American democracy. Such incidents deter international scholars and students, who substantially enrich our state's innovative landscape through study and research, from choosing the U.S. over other more welcoming countries.

Weijia Jiang: –Thank you, Governor. Unfortunately, we've reached our time for today. We appreciate your insights on this Easter Sunday. More to follow after this break.