On Sunday, May 25, 2025, President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, TRUTH, to defend his administration’s decision to bar Harvard University from admitting international students. The policy, which has sparked legal battles and raised alarms about the future of U.S. higher education, centers on claims of inadequate transparency from the university.
Trump highlighted that nearly 31% of Harvard’s students are international, questioning why their home countries—some allegedly unfriendly to the U.S.—do not contribute financially to their education. “Harvard’s hiding the fact that a huge chunk of their students come from FOREIGN LANDS, paying NOTHING while we foot the bill with billions in federal funds,” he posted. He demanded detailed records of international students’ names, countries of origin, and any alleged misconduct, suggesting Harvard tap into its $53.2 billion endowment instead of relying on federal grants.
The controversy stems from a decision by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on May 22, 2025, to strip Harvard of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. Noem cited Harvard’s failure to provide reports on alleged misbehavior by international students, a requirement she says the university had until April 30 to meet. “Harvard ignored the law, so they’ve lost their SEVP status,” Noem stated. The move effectively blocks Harvard from enrolling foreign students, though a federal judge has temporarily paused the order pending legal review.
The administration’s actions are part of a broader push to address what it calls rising anti-Semitism and to curb diversity programs. The White House has also revoked visas and initiated deportations of foreign students linked to pro-Palestinian protests, accusing them of ties to Hamas, per AFP reports. Beyond enrollment restrictions, the government is reviewing $9 billion in federal funding to Harvard, with $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts already frozen. A Harvard Medical School researcher reportedly faces deportation as part of the crackdown.
International students, who make up over 25% of Harvard’s student body, are vital to its academic and financial ecosystem, contributing significantly through tuition and campus involvement. The policy has left their futures uncertain and drawn global criticism from academic leaders. Harvard has responded with a lawsuit, calling the SEVP revocation illegal and vowing to protect its students’ rights. The case’s outcome could reshape how U.S. universities navigate international enrollment and federal oversight.
