U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his administration’s attempt to block Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, a move temporarily halted by a judge following a lawsuit from the university.
“Why isn’t Harvard saying that almost 31 percent of their students are from foreign lands, and yet those countries… pay NOTHING,” Trump posted on Truth Social, accusing the university of lacking transparency despite receiving billions in federal support.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students last week, citing national security concerns and a lack of cooperation in providing visa holder records. The university sued in response, calling the decision “arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and unconstitutional,” prompting a judge to suspend the order.
The White House has escalated its crackdown on U.S. universities, citing the rise of anti-Semitism and efforts to curb diversity-based programs. It has also targeted international students involved in Gaza war protests, linking them to support for Hamas.
The administration has threatened to review \$9 billion in federal funds to Harvard, already freezing \$2.2 billion in grants and \$60 million in contracts. A researcher at Harvard Medical School is also facing deportation.
Foreign students make up over a quarter of Harvard’s student body, and the policy could have major financial implications. Harvard, with a \$53.2 billion endowment in 2024, charges tens of thousands of dollars annually in tuition.
“Why isn’t Harvard saying that almost 31 percent of their students are from foreign lands, and yet those countries… pay NOTHING,” Trump posted on Truth Social, accusing the university of lacking transparency despite receiving billions in federal support.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students last week, citing national security concerns and a lack of cooperation in providing visa holder records. The university sued in response, calling the decision “arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and unconstitutional,” prompting a judge to suspend the order.
The White House has escalated its crackdown on U.S. universities, citing the rise of anti-Semitism and efforts to curb diversity-based programs. It has also targeted international students involved in Gaza war protests, linking them to support for Hamas.
The administration has threatened to review \$9 billion in federal funds to Harvard, already freezing \$2.2 billion in grants and \$60 million in contracts. A researcher at Harvard Medical School is also facing deportation.
Foreign students make up over a quarter of Harvard’s student body, and the policy could have major financial implications. Harvard, with a \$53.2 billion endowment in 2024, charges tens of thousands of dollars annually in tuition.
