“American Students Are Being Deprived of Opportunities by Foreign Students”
Following the suspension of federal funding, international student enrollment is temporarily blocked.
Trump: “We’re getting played while trying to prove how smart we are.”

President Donald Trump, intensifying his attacks on Harvard University for allegedly defying federal policy, has now demanded a sharp reduction in its foreign student population. The Trump administration, which recently suspended visa interviews to review applicants’ social media activity, also declared it would restrict visa issuance to countries that censor American social media.

Trump Calls for Cap on Foreign Students at Harvard

On May 28 (local time), during the swearing-in ceremony of interim U.S. Attorney Janine Pirro in Washington, D.C., Trump stated that “Harvard should cap its foreign student ratio at 15%.” He criticized the university for “bringing in people from the world’s most radical regions” and added, “We don’t want them causing problems in our country.” His remarks appeared to justify the administration’s earlier attempt—blocked by courts—to ban foreign student enrollment at Harvard

He further questioned, “These countries don’t help us. They don’t invest in Harvard or our universities. So why is the number 31%? Why so high?” suggesting ulterior motives for the large presence of foreign students. “I believe the cap should be 15%, not 31%,” he said. “There are people who want to attend Harvard or other universities but can’t because of foreign students.”

Trump also remarked, “Foreign students must be people who can love this country. We don’t want to see mall bombings or riots.” He claimed many foreign students were “troublemakers influenced by the radical left.” He criticized Columbia University—epicenter of last year’s pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protests—but noted they were “trying to work with us,” unlike Harvard. “Harvard wants to fight. They’re trying to show how smart they are—and they’re getting burned.”

Full Visa Investigation into Harvard Connections Begins

Following Trump’s comments, the State Department launched a sweeping investigation into all visa holders connected to Harvard. According to Fox News, the probe now includes not only student visas but also B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas linked to the university. The goal is to identify potential security vulnerabilities or visa abuses, officials said.

Hundreds of visa holders tied to Harvard may be affected, with some reportedly already facing cancellations or forced transfers. Last month, the Trump administration canceled the immigration status of all foreign students and scholars registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), rendering their visas invalid and exposing them to deportation.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a notice revoking Harvard’s certification, accused the university of “inciting violence, enabling antisemitism, and having ties to the Chinese Communist Party.” She added, “Recruiting foreign students for profit through high tuition is a privilege. Harvard had a chance to choose the right path and refused.”

Why Trump Is Targeting Harvard

Trump’s crusade against Harvard is driven by his belief that the university’s hiring and admissions practices are unconstitutional. In 2023, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action favoring non-white students—a ruling Trump believes Harvard is flouting. Education Secretary Linda McMahon argued, “If you look at faculty hiring, there’s been a surge in people who are minorities, women, or claim to be nonbinary.” Trump previously vowed to “take Harvard back from the radical left.”

There’s also what some call Harvard’s “original sin.” According to the Financial Times, the university tolerated a “no-platforming” culture—banning controversial speakers, especially on topics like feminism. Initially intended to block hate speech, the practice is now seen as a threat to free expression.

Conservatives claim right-wing students feel marginalized and silenced. Critics argue students are deprived of the chance to hear diverse views and engage in productive debate. FT noted, “Some universities have allowed left-leaning ideology to dominate, enabling a surge in no-platforming.”

Despite his rhetoric, critics argue Trump’s approach is dangerous. His administration has declared its goal of “eliminating the evils of anti-Americanism and antisemitism on campuses,” turning universities into battlegrounds between patriotism and dissent. This, analysts say, is part of Trump’s broader strategy of fear-based politics.

The Wall Street Journal observed that Trump has used fear as a weapon—punishing law firms that prosecuted him, hunting down immigrants, and pressuring moderate Republicans into submission. His campaign against Harvard, critics argue, is just another front in that war.