Trump vs. Harvard: What the End of Foreign Student Admissions Means for Your Future – DW – 05/24/2025

In recent months, Harvard University has found itself at the center of a fierce debate involving the Trump administration. Founded in 1636, Harvard is one of the most respected educational institutions globally. It has educated numerous Nobel laureates and U.S. presidents. Despite its reputation, current U.S. politics have cast a shadow over its standing.

In April, Trump criticized Harvard on his social media platform, calling it “a JOKE” and claiming it teaches “hate and stupidity.” He suggested that federal funding should be cut as a result. Following this, the government froze $2.2 billion intended for Harvard. An additional $450 million was also targeted for cuts.

The situation intensified when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent a letter to Harvard, threatening to revoke its license to enroll foreign students unless the university complied with specific demands within 72 hours. Harvard chose to fight back, suing the administration. A federal judge ruled temporarily in favor of Harvard, stating the government’s actions could cause “immediate and irreparable injury” to the university.

The administration’s stance appears to stem from concerns that Harvard promotes left-leaning ideologies. This is amid rising tensions on campuses regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly following the October 7, 2023 attacks from Hamas. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have sparked accusations of antisemitism, with reports indicating that some Jewish students have faced harassment during these protests.

The government’s actions are not unique to Harvard. Around 60 universities have reportedly faced similar threats or funding withdrawals. For example, Columbia University experienced a $400 million cut in March, linked to claims of inadequate responses to harassment of Jewish students.

What’s at stake? Harvard currently enrolls about 6,800 international students, who contribute approximately $400 million in tuition annually. If the administration succeeds in its objective, many of these students could lose their U.S. residence permits.

The administration is not only targeting funding but also considering taxing university endowments more heavily. During Trump’s first term, a 1.4% tax on endowment earnings was introduced for universities with endowments exceeding $500,000 per student. The new proposals might raise this tax significantly for institutions with endowments above $2 million per student.

Furthermore, the government has asked Harvard to make extensive changes by August 2025. These reforms include limiting the influence of student and faculty activism and ending diversity initiatives. The goal is to promote a balanced viewpoint on campus, one that aligns with what they describe as “American values.”

As Harvard prepares for another legal battle, it’s evident that the university’s issues reflect broader societal divides. With its substantial endowment and resources, Harvard can withstand some pressure, but the outcomes of these confrontations could shape the future of higher education in America.



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