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President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his administration's controversial decision to bar Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, despite a federal judge suspending the action following a lawsuit from the prestigious institution.
The dispute centers on the Department of Homeland Security's Thursday revocation of Harvard's authorization to enroll international students, a move that jeopardizes the academic futures of thousands and threatens a significant revenue source for the university.
"Why isn't Harvard saying that almost 31% of their students are from FOREIGN LANDS, and yet those countries, some not at all friendly to the United States, pay NOTHING toward their students' education, nor do they ever intend to," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Sunday.
The president continued his criticism, stating, "We want to know who those foreign students are, a reasonable request since we give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, but Harvard isn't exactly forthcoming."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had initially threatened the action last month, demanding Harvard provide records on visa holders' "illegal and violent activities." When the university failed to comply, Noem followed through on her warning Thursday.
Harvard quickly challenged the decision in federal court, successfully obtaining a temporary suspension of the enrollment ban. The university characterized the government's action as "arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and unconstitutional."
Broader crackdown targets campus policies and protests
The confrontation represents part of a broader White House campaign targeting American universities. The administration justifies these measures as necessary responses to what it describes as unchecked anti-Semitism on campuses and efforts to dismantle diversity programs designed to address historical discrimination against minorities.
The crackdown has extended beyond enrollment restrictions. Federal officials have moved to revoke visas and deport foreign students who participated in protests against the war in Gaza, alleging they support the Palestinian militant organization Hamas.
Harvard faces mounting financial pressure from the federal government. Officials have placed $9 billion in funding under review, already freezing $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts. The administration has also targeted a Harvard Medical School researcher for deportation.
The potential loss of international students poses significant financial implications for Harvard. Foreign nationals comprise more than a quarter of the university's student body and pay tens of thousands of dollars annually in tuition fees.
Despite the pressures, Harvard maintains substantial resources to weather the conflict. The university holds the largest endowment among American institutions of higher education, valued at $53.2 billion as of 2024.
The legal battle continues as both sides prepare for what could become a defining case regarding federal authority over university admissions and international student policies.
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