Trump Intensifies Criticism of Harvard's International Student Admissions
Trump's Attack on Harvard University
President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of Harvard University, defending his administration's efforts to restrict the institution's ability to enroll international students. This latest assault follows a federal judge's decision on Friday to suspend the Trump administration's actions aimed at revoking Harvard's capacity to admit foreign students, which aligned with the White House's attempts to reshape educational practices in accordance with Trump's policies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that nearly 31% of students at Harvard come from foreign countries, claiming that the university has failed to provide detailed information about these students despite repeated requests from his administration.
He questioned, 'Why isn't Harvard disclosing that about 31% of their students are from foreign nations, many of which are not friendly to the United States? These countries pay nothing for their students' education and have no intention of doing so. No one has informed us!' Trump continued, 'We want to know who these foreign students are; it's a reasonable request since we provide Harvard with billions of dollars, yet they refuse to cooperate. We want those names and countries. Harvard has $52,000,000; use it and stop asking the federal government for funds!'
In a complaint filed in federal court in Boston on Friday, Harvard described the proposed revocation as a 'clear violation' of the U.S. Constitution and other federal laws. The university argued that this decision would have an 'immediate and devastating impact' on the institution and over 7,000 visa-holding students.
Harvard stated, 'With a stroke of a pen, the government has attempted to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body, which consists of international students who significantly contribute to the university and its mission.' Last month, the university had already initiated legal action against the administration regarding changes to its curriculum, admissions processes, and recruitment policies.