(DCNF)—Former State Department official Mike Benz accused Harvard University on Thursday of acting as a central hub for anti-Trump activity, saying the school’s network of academic departments and think tanks has been “weaponized” against President Donald Trump.
The Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s ability to host foreign students, citing a “toxic campus climate” and violations related to antisemitism and foreign funding disclosures. During an appearance on “The War Room,” Benz discussed Harvard’s widespread backchanneling with powerful institutions like the State Department, the Defense Department, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and various multinational corporations and NGOs.
“Virtually every center, institute and department at Harvard is weaponized against the Trump administration at every level. Through their backchanneling with intelligence, through the backchanneling with the State Department, through their backchanneling with the defense sector, through their backchanneling with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, multinational corporations, through their backchanneling with the NGOs,” Benz said.
Benz specifically named the Harvard Belfer Center and called it a “Heart of Darkness” hub within the university. He also pointed to Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan, both affiliated with the Belfer Center, as ideological architects of these strategies.
“You gave the example of Erica Chenoweth, as well as her co-author of one of her recent books, Maria Stephan. The two of them are both associated with the Harvard Belfer Center. The Harvard Belfer Center is one of these Heart of Darkness places within Harvard that is tightly involved in organizing what they call nonviolent action, which is a total hoax term,” Benz said.
Chenoweth and Stephan say that nonviolent resistance campaigns between 1900 and 2006 were over twice as effective as violent ones. Their award-winning book says such movements succeed by drawing widespread public support and undermining regime power structures.
Benz said the term “nonviolent action,” often promoted by the Belfer Center and similar institutions, is misleading.
“Whenever you say nonviolent action, what they mean is the end stages of a color revolution where violent protesters who are not killing people with machine guns but are rather throwing Molotov cocktails in police cars and breaking glass and setting buildings on fire, but they’re not killing everyone as they do it,” Benz said.
The Trump administration has already slashed more than $2 billion in funding from Harvard and declared the university ineligible for federal grants after it vowed in April not to “surrender” to demands to combat antisemitism on campus. A September 2024 congressional investigation said Harvard failed to impose meaningful punishment on nearly 70 students involved in a multi-day pro-Hamas encampment the previous spring, when demonstrators disrupted classes and occupied a campus building.
Federal investigators accuse Harvard of failing to disclose foreign donations as required by law. Since 2017, the Ivy League university has reportedly accepted $1.1 billion from foreign sources, including over $100 million from China and approximately $1.6 million from the Palestinian territories.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screenshot/TheWarRoom)
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.