The Controversial Honorary Doctorates of Former President Donald Trump

Throughout his political career, former President Donald Trump has garnered a significant number of honorary doctorates, a practice that has often been scrutinized for its legitimacy. This article delves into the details of these honorary degrees and the controversies that surround them.

Academic Credentials and Controversies

Former President Donald Trump has received a total of five honorary doctorates. Four of these degrees have been withdrawn, leaving him with two honorary doctorates from Liberty University. While some of these degrees were issued under questionable circumstances, others have been revoked due to concerns over the ethical standards of the institutions themselves.

Rising Controversy and Revocation

One of the most contentious honorary doctorates was granted by Robert Gordon University, which revoked the degree in 2019 after Trump made statements that were deemed “wholly incompatible” with the ethos and values of the university. Another notable instance of controversy involved Lehigh University, which revoked its honorary doctorate to Bill Cosby in 2015, a decision that prompted a discussion on whether Trump's honorary doctorate should also be rescinded by Lehigh University.

Liberty University

Liberty University has been a frequent recipient of Trump's honorary degrees. In 2012 and 2017, they granted Trump honorary doctorates of business and laws, respectively. While Liberty University remains a controversial institution, their consistent support for Trump has made these honorary degrees a point of contention.

The Legitimacy of Trump's Degrees

There have been suggestions that Trump's honorary doctorates were more about purchasing a title than earning it. Some critics argue that none of the degrees were earned through genuine academic merit. This claim is supported by the fact that Trump's degrees have often been awarded for political or financial reasons rather than academic achievement.

Debates and Criticisms

Questions surrounding the legitimacy of these honorary doctorates have been a significant point of criticism. Critics argue that granting such titles to someone without genuine academic achievement is not only disrespectful to true scholars but also undermines the integrity of academic institutions.

Conclusion

In summary, former President Donald Trump's honorary doctorates have been a subject of controversy and debate. The revocations by institutions like Robert Gordon University and the contentious relationship with Liberty University highlight the ethical concerns associated with honorary degrees. The legitimacy of these degrees continues to be a topic of public discussion, reflecting broader questions about the nature of academic honor.

Key Points:

Honorary doctorates: A practice often scrutinized for its legitimacy. Liberty University: A consistent recipient of Trump's honorary degrees, leading to controversies. Legitimacy: Many argue that Trump's degrees were more about purchasing than earning an academic title.