Emil Sondaj Hansen got caught in the crossfire of Trump’s war on America’s universities. He experienced firsthand how the president’s intimidation fueled self-censorship and a fear of being expelled.

Danish student at Harvard: »Absolutely nerve-racking—standing there with a lump in my throat, laying out my findings«

Protesters rally, demanding that Harvard’s leadership resist government overreach. Foto: Nicholas Pfosi/Ritzau Scanpix

Trump supporters wearing Maga hats, smoking cigars, and urinating on the statue of the founder of Harvard University.

These were the images Emil Sondaj Hansen, a student at Harvard, woke up to the day after Trump’s election victory a year ago.

This is for subscribers' eyes only

But don’t you worry. Your Politiken Edition subscription is just one click away. We are looking forward to bringing you a handpicked selection of Politiken's stories - translated into English. Your subscription includes unlimited access to The New York Times.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber? Welcome back. Sign in here

Danish student at Harvard: »Absolutely nerve-racking—standing there with a lump in my throat, laying out my findings«

This is for subscribers' eyes only

Most read

Politiken Edition: The most read Danish newspaper – now in English

Katseye brought the hype and the charm — but where was the show?

Judges across the country are up in arms: »It’s very rare for us to speak this bluntly«

After 11 months away, Holger Rune is ready for a comeback: »I’ve missed it like crazy«

New mapping: The U.S. has left widespread pollution in Greenland

Lukas Graham and all other opening acts pull out of Ed Sheeran’s tour after firing of rapper

After 11 months away, Holger Rune is ready for a comeback: »I’ve missed it like crazy«

Judges across the country are up in arms: »It’s very rare for us to speak this bluntly«

Many Danish elite athletes have higher expenses than income and risk leaving their sport early

New calculations show climate change will bring marine heat waves to Danish waters every other day

The government wants to stop illegal home rentals: Here’s how it will change the rules

Lukas Graham and all other opening acts pull out of Ed Sheeran’s tour after firing of rapper

Danish companies are hiring far fewer because of AI – and one group, in particular, is in the crosshairs

Care workers from non-Western countries are indispensable, report finds

Russian frigate fires flare near Danish military helicopter off Gedser

Children as young as seven are seeking comfort in chatbots, and the trend is spreading

Is a new tech ombudsman the answer to this sense of powerlessness?

Danish film’s new golden women want to use their Venice triumph to break abroad and to change the industry’s terms at home

»I almost wish it were that simple — that you could just get a different prime minister and the problems would be solved«

Stress expert has deliberately opted out of exercise

Could AI become an existential threat to humanity? Scientists urge caution

»Behind the figures lies a bigger problem: being on time doesn’t matter to students«

Schools hit historic low score as politicians confront long-signaled learning crisis

Cities under housing pressure now get help to curb short-term home rentals

Parties reopen food VAT proposal as health concerns and definitions split allies

Psychiatrists given the same information reached different diagnoses every other time

Principal: Many students are excellent readers. The problem lies elsewhere.