Trump vs. Harvard: White House Escalates Battle Over Foreign Students and Funding

On May 22, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded detailed foreign student data within 72 hours, threatening to halt international admissions. Harvard secured a temporary stay from Judge Allison D. Burroughs, citing “immediate and irreparable injury.”

Trump’s War on ‘Woke’

The crackdown stems from ideological conflicts. Trump accused Harvard on Truth Social of promoting “hate and stupidity,” branding it “a joke” and demanding defunding. He noted that 31% of Harvard’s students are foreign, claiming some come from unfriendly nations and that their governments don’t cover U.S. education costs.

High Stakes and Taxes

Over $2.6 billion in federal funding is frozen or at risk. Harvard’s $50 billion endowment offers resilience, but Trump’s proposed 21% endowment tax could cost elite universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT millions annually. International students, contributing $400 million yearly, face deportation risks if the visa ban persists.

DEI Targeted

The administration demands Harvard dismantle DEI programs, curb faculty activism, and enforce merit-based admissions without regard to race, religion, or origin. Officials claim this protects American values; critics call it ideological cleansing.

Wider Trend

Harvard isn’t alone. Columbia lost $400 million and faced policy changes under similar pressure. Over 60 U.S. universities are targeted. Trump’s actions tie to pro-Palestinian protests, with claims of antisemitism and Hamas links prompting foreign student deportations.

What’s Next?

A critical hearing is set for May 29. The courts will decide the legality, but Trump’s intent to reshape higher education is clear, with Harvard as the first battleground. The outcome could redefine U.S. universities’ global standing.