In a recent development, Michael Mann, a distinguished climate professor and senior administrator at the University of Pennsylvania, has sparked controversy with his remarks directed at President Donald Trump.
Mann, who was named the inaugural vice provost for climate science, policy, and action by the University in late 2024, took to social media to express his views, stating, "If Trump doesn't comply, we're in second amendment territory."
The comment, which was posted on Bluesky, was made in response to a federal judge's decision to block Trump's plan to dismantle the Department of Education. The President had issued an executive order in March, advocating for the closure of the Education Department, arguing that states are better equipped to handle the agency's main functions.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, Mann's comments have the potential to draw the attention of federal law enforcement officials. Similar public threats against the president have been swiftly investigated in the past. For instance, the Secret Service is currently investigating a recent social media post by former FBI director James Comey, which some interpreted as a call to eliminate the president. Comey, however, has denied this interpretation.
Mann, however, defended his comments, stating, "The second amendment refers to the right of the people to rise up and defend democracy." He further added, "To argue this is a threat against Trump is very dishonest."
The University of Pennsylvania and FBI director Kash Patel's spokesperson have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
This incident comes at a time when the Trump administration and academia are at odds. The administration has recently withdrawn billions of dollars in federal funding from universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and other Ivy League schools. The reasons cited include their inadequate response to anti-Semitism on campus, actions promoting pro-Hamas attitudes, and DEI initiatives.
The Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights froze $175 million in funding for the University of Pennsylvania last month. The decision was made in response to the university allowing a biological male to compete on the women's swim team, which the office claimed denied women equal opportunities. The university's president criticized the administration's decision, stating that the loss of funding "will be felt by society."
Mann's comments also coincide with his recent legal setbacks. A Washington, D.C., court has ordered the renowned climate scientist to pay over $1 million to cover litigation costs for the Competitive Enterprise Institute and National Review, two entities he has accused of libel.
James Taylor, the President of the Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank, commented on the matter, stating, "Everything you need to know about the integrity of Michael Mann's purported science research is illustrated by the Washington, D.C., court finding Mann engaged in 'stunning' misrepresentations to the court regarding his defamation case."
He further added, "If you would like to know just how credible the climate alarmism movement is, just assess the ethics and honesty of its foremost talking head, Michael Mann."
The unfolding events highlight the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and academia, and the potential implications of public figures expressing their political views on social media platforms.
Login