Trump Escalates Attack On Harvard, Defends Foreign Student Enrollment Ban

President Donald Trump launched a renewed offensive against Harvard University on Friday, defending his administration’s attempt to block the Ivy League institution from enrolling new international students and accusing the university of withholding information about foreign enrollees.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed that nearly 31 percent of Harvard’s student body is composed of foreign nationals, asserting that the university has failed to provide details about these students despite repeated demands from his administration.

“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 student’s education?” Trump wrote. “We want those names and countries.”

The president also criticized Harvard’s financial practices, claiming the university holds $52 million and should “stop asking for the Federal Government to continue granting money.” He suggested that federal funding be contingent on compliance with government requests for data on international students.

“Harvard has $52,000,000. Use it,” he added. “We give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.”

Court Blocks Trump Administration Move

The comments come just hours after a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard’s ability to admit foreign students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The administration had taken the unprecedented step earlier this week, citing concerns over national security, foreign influence, and campus unrest.

In a sharply worded letter, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem notified Harvard that its SEVP certification was “revoked effective immediately.” Reports said that Noem accused the university of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.”

Harvard quickly responded with a lawsuit, calling the decision a “blatant violation” of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Filed in Boston federal court, the complaint argues that the government’s action would cause “immediate and devastating” harm to more than 7,000 international students enrolled at the university.

“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body,” the university said in its filing. “International students who contribute significantly to the university and its mission.”

Ongoing Legal Battle and Political Tensions

This latest clash is part of a broader legal and political battle between the Trump administration and elite academic institutions. Harvard is already involved in multiple legal disputes with the White House, including lawsuits over alleged interference in its curriculum, admissions policies, and hiring practices.

Trump’s attacks align with his ongoing campaign narrative targeting elite universities, immigration policies, and what he characterizes as the erosion of American values within higher education.

The court’s injunction allows Harvard to maintain its certification for now, but further hearings are expected in the coming.