The Curious Case of Donald Trump’s Honorary Degrees: Why Liberty University Is Still Holding On
Ah, Donald Trump. The man who, let’s just say, has a certain flair for the dramatic. You can’t deny that he’s a master of self-promotion, a champion of the “bigger is better” philosophy, and a man who loves to be the center of attention. But his love of adoration isn’t limited to the boardroom or the campaign trail, it seems. He’s also a big fan of honorary degrees.
Now, let’s be clear, this is not about whether or not Donald Trump deserves an honorary degree. That’s a debate that could probably fill an entire library (and probably would, given the size of Trump’s ego). This is about a more specific question: Why is Liberty University the only university refusing to revoke the honorary degrees they gave to Mr. Trump?
It’s a question that’s been swirling around the internet like a rogue tumbleweed in a tornado.
For those who haven’t been following the saga, here’s the lowdown: Donald Trump has received a total of five honorary degrees in his lifetime. These were bestowed upon him by a collection of universities from across the globe – Lehigh University, Wagner College, Robert Gordon University in Scotland, and Liberty University (twice).
But after a certain series of events (let’s just say that some of them involved a certain building in Washington D.C.), several universities have decided to take a second look at their decision to shower Mr. Trump with these prestigious awards.
It seems that some institutions have decided to put their money where their mouth is, and that includes rethinking things like “honor” and “integrity.” As a result, all except one have decided to revoke the honorary degrees they gave to Mr. Trump.
But not Liberty University. They’re holding tight to their honorary doctorates of business and law, given to Trump in 2012 and 2017 respectively. And it’s not like they’re shy about it.
Liberty University, a private evangelical university founded by the late Jerry Falwell Sr., has always been a vocal supporter of Mr. Trump. In fact, they’ve described him as “one of the greatest visionaries of our time” and lauded his commitment to “our nation’s founding principles of limited government, individual liberty, and the free enterprise system.”
It’s safe to say that Liberty University is not exactly known for its liberal leanings. They’ve been outspoken about their opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, among other controversial topics. So, it’s no surprise that they’d be less inclined to jump on the bandwagon of revoking honorary degrees.
But why the stubborn refusal to rescind the honors bestowed upon Mr. Trump?
Here are a few theories, ranging from the straightforward to the slightly more conspiratorial:
1. The “We Stand By Our Man” Theory:
Liberty University’s unwavering support for Mr. Trump stems from a deep-seated belief in his political and personal values. They believe in his vision for America, and they see him as a champion of their own values. They also believe that he stands for the “American Dream,” which they see as intertwined with business success, entrepreneurship, and a belief in free markets.
This theory suggests their allegiance to Mr. Trump is about more than just an honorary degree.
2. The “It’s About the Money” Theory:
It’s a cynical thought, but it’s worth considering. Liberty University is a private institution, and they depend on donations to fund their operations. Mr. Trump is a wealthy businessman who has donated to the university in the past, and his supporters are a significant source of financial support.
Perhaps Liberty University is worried about alienating a wealthy donor and his supporters.
3. The “It’s a PR Stunt” Theory:
Is Liberty University using this situation to attract attention and gain publicity? They’re certainly not shy about making their beliefs known.
Perhaps they see this as an opportunity to reinforce their image as a bastion of conservative values, particularly in the face of a changing cultural landscape.
4. The “It’s Really Just About Jerry Falwell Jr.” Theory:
The late Jerry Falwell Jr. was a staunch supporter of Mr. Trump and was instrumental in his receiving the honorary degrees from Liberty University. His views were closely aligned with those of the university and its student body.
Now, some speculate that the university’s refusal to revoke the degrees is, in part, a way of honoring Falwell Jr.’s legacy and his unwavering support for Mr. Trump.
5. The “It’s All Just a Big Misunderstanding” Theory:
Perhaps Liberty University simply hasn’t had a chance to discuss this matter in depth. They may be waiting for more information, or they might be hesitant to make a decision without consulting with their board of directors.
This theory suggests the university’s stance isn’t a conscious refusal to revoke the degrees but rather a case of indecisiveness.
Of course, only Liberty University knows for sure why they haven’t revoked Mr. Trump’s honorary degrees. But the fact that they’re the only university to stand by their man in the face of widespread criticism says a lot about their values, their priorities, and their relationship with Mr. Trump.
Whatever the reasons, the story of Donald Trump’s honorary degrees is a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of politics, religion, and higher education. It’s a story that speaks volumes about the shifting nature of societal values and the complexities of the modern world.
And, let’s be honest, it’s also a story that’s sure to keep us all guessing for years to come.