Trump’s Renewed Criticism of Harvard and International Student Policies
Amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University, a federal judge recently blocked a controversial decision that would have significantly impacted the enrollment of international students at the prestigious institution. This development comes after President Trump reignited his critique of Harvard, focusing on the nationality and financial contributions of its foreign students.
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In a recent Truth Social post, Trump expressed concerns about the home countries of Harvard’s international students, stating they are “not at all friendly to the United States” and do not contribute financially to their education. The president also emphasized the need to identify these students, suggesting that “Harvard isn’t exactly forthcoming.”
The university has so far not responded to requests for comment regarding these statements. Trump’s comments follow a judge’s temporary restraining order that halted the administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students. Harvard argued that this move violated the First Amendment and was an unjust punishment for the school’s resistance to government influence over its governance and curriculum.
Earlier in the year, the federal government had frozen over $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard after it pushed back against federal demands regarding its hiring and admissions practices. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the university of encouraging violence and antisemitism and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party, which allegedly justified the administration’s actions.
Judge Allison Burroughs’ decision to block the administration’s move was praised by Harvard President Alan Garber as “a critical step to protect the rights and opportunities of our international students and scholars, who are vital to the University’s mission and community.” International students, who make up approximately 27% of Harvard’s student body, are generally not eligible for federal financial aid.
A hearing is scheduled for Thursday to address whether the restraining order should remain in place, highlighting the ongoing legal and political battles over international student policies at Harvard.
