Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by proposing a cap on the number of foreign students at Harvard University, arguing that it would increase access for American students. During remarks at the White House, Trump criticized the current 27% foreign student population at Harvard, suggesting it be reduced to 15%. He claimed that the high international intake prevents qualified Americans from securing admission to elite institutions.
Trump's comments come amid an intensifying clash between his administration and Harvard, rooted in both ideological and administrative disputes. In recent months, his administration:
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Froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard.
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Suspended its ability to enroll international students, citing concerns about data transparency and foreign influence.
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Threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status and urged federal agencies to reconsider partnerships with the university.
Trump also referenced antisemitism on college campuses as a key issue, accusing Harvard of failing to adequately respond to such incidents. “They're totally antisemitic at Harvard,” he said, framing this as one reason to divert federal support away from elite universities and into trade schools.
In his remarks, Trump criticized the university for offering remedial math classes, questioning the admissions standards. “How did these people get into Harvard?” he asked, implying that the institution is compromising its academic rigor while benefiting from vast public subsidies.
Trump also emphasized the size of Harvard’s endowment—over $50 billion—claiming that much of it was built through U.S. support, and arguing that future funding should instead prioritize vocational training institutions. “You can have the best trade schools anywhere in the world,” he said, suggesting the funds could be used to train Americans in essential skills, including AI technologies.
Meanwhile, the conflict has escalated into the courts. Harvard filed a lawsuit on April 21 challenging the administration’s attempts to interfere with its leadership and admissions policies. In response, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction blocking the administration's ban on enrolling international students, providing a momentary reprieve.
However, uncertainty looms for foreign students and for the future of U.S. higher education policy, especially if Trump reclaims the presidency. His stance reflects a broader push to reshape American education by prioritizing nationalism, trade skills, and cultural alignment over international diversity and academic autonomy.
