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The following is the transcript of an interview with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, that aired on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on April 20, 2025.
WEIJIA JIANG: We’re now joined by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who is speaking to us this morning from just outside Boston. Governor Healey, good morning.
GOV. MAURA HEALEY: Good morning, Weijia. Wishing you and all the listeners a Happy Easter.
WEIJIA JIANG: Happy Easter to you as well. I’d like to start our discussion with Harvard University, a vital institution in your state and your own alma mater. Recently, the Trump administration halted $2.2 billion in long-term grants and $60 million in contracts with Harvard after the university declined to comply with certain demands. The repercussions have been immediate, impacting areas from research to staffing. Do you believe Harvard can weather this funding interruption?
GOV. HEALEY: It’s important to understand the effects of these actions. Let’s take a step back to when the initial cuts to NIH funding were made; Massachusetts is home to numerous colleges and research institutions that have been at the forefront of medical and technological advancements for decades. These entities have been instrumental in developing cures for serious conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, they play a key role in research aligned with our defense industry. The funding cuts initiated by Donald Trump are leading to various adverse outcomes. We’re seeing research labs close, and scientists are seeking opportunities abroad, jeopardizing U.S. intellectual property. Recently, during a visit to Boston Children’s Hospital, which treats some of the most vulnerable pediatric patients, I learned that cuts resulting from Trump’s decisions have harmed not just the university but the broader healthcare system as well. This extends to staffing layoffs and halted clinical trials for vital therapies. It’s a setback for patients and a significant blow to scientific progress and national competitiveness. As Governor, I am committed to fostering a prosperous Massachusetts and a thriving America. Unfortunately, Trump’s policies are essentially inviting foreign nations to recruit our top researchers and scientists, further eroding our global leadership. Coupled with his economic strategies that are currently undermining the economy, my administration is actively working to lower costs, reduce taxes, and expand housing opportunities, yet Trump’s actions are making it more difficult for families across our state.
WEIJIA JIANG: Has Harvard reached out to your office for any state-level assistance?
GOV. HEALEY: While it’s crucial to support our institutions, no state can sufficiently compensate for the extensive cuts to federal funding enacted by Trump, impacting education, healthcare, and critical services for vulnerable populations. His recent actions include cutting FEMA disaster relief, creating additional challenges for state officials. For instance, I championed the largest housing bill in Massachusetts history aimed at increasing housing availability and reducing costs, yet Trump’s tariffs on materials sourced from countries like Canada and Mexico have inflated construction expenses. While state governors are doing their best under these circumstances, federal mismanagement poses overwhelming challenges that we can’t remedy at the state level.
WEIJIA JIANG: President Trump has also called for revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, and CBS News reports that the IRS is considering this action. Are you aware of any actions by the university that would warrant such a measure?
GOV. HEALEY: There’s absolutely no justification for that. It is an outrageous move and aligns with Trump’s tactic of trying to silence dissent. This pattern began with attacks on law firms, moved to companies, and now targets educational institutions in an effort to intimidate. There simply isn’t a legal basis for this approach, and it sends a troubling message to all non-profit organizations in our communities that provide essential support. This misuse of power by a sitting president is unacceptable and is likely to face serious legal challenges. It undermines not just educational institutions but the entire framework of non-profit support systems across the nation.
WEIJIA JIANG: Governor, on a different note, I want to inquire about Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk, who was recently detained by plainclothes officers in Massachusetts. She is currently held at a detention facility in Louisiana without facing any criminal charges. A judge has ordered ICE to move her to Vermont by May 1 for district court proceedings regarding her detention. Have you had communication with her family or legal representatives, and is there any assistance your state can provide?
GOV. HEALEY: This situation is deeply concerning. Rumeysa is a Fulbright Scholar pursuing a PhD in child development and has no criminal record. Reports suggest her detention relates to her involvement in an op-ed published in a college newspaper. While the courts are currently involved, there is a larger issue at play—the blatant disregard for due process, which is foundational to our democracy. This creates an environment of fear for students across the board, particularly those from overseas. Massachusetts thrives on the contributions of international students who come to study, innovate, and contribute to society. This speaks directly to the failures of Trump’s so-called “America first” agenda, which ultimately discourages talented individuals from integrating into our educational and workforce systems.
WEIJIA JIANG: Thank you for your insights, Governor—
GOV. MAURA HEALEY: –It’s crucial that we do better; we must create an environment where students feel safe and valued in the United States.
WEIJIA JIANG: I appreciate you sharing your time with us today. Thank you, Governor. We’ll be back shortly.
Face The Nation Transcripts
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