United States President, Donald Trump has defended his administration’s decision to block Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, following a court ruling that temporarily halted the move.
Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, criticised the prestigious university for hosting nearly 31 per cent of international students while claiming that they receive no financial contribution from their home countries.
“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,” the president stated.
The controversy began last week when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revoked Harvard’s authority to admit foreign nationals.
Noem had previously warned the institution that it must release information on student visa holders allegedly involved in “illegal and violent activities” or face consequences.
Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit, accusing the federal government of acting in an “arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and unconstitutional” manner.
A federal judge quickly issued a suspension of the government’s directive, allowing the university to maintain its international admissions temporarily.
The Trump administration’s actions are part of a broader campaign targeting American universities. Officials cite concerns about anti-Semitism and what they describe as excessive diversity programmes.
The administration has also taken steps to revoke visas and deport foreign students who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests, alleging ties to Hamas, a Palestinian militant organisation.
Last month, the administration froze $2.2 bn in federal funding to Harvard, and earlier this month, the Department of Education threatened to cut off research grants entirely.
