President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Harvard University on Sunday, questioning the presence of foreign students and demanding transparency about who they are and where they come from. His comments follow recent actions by the Department of Homeland Security, which attempted to restrict the university’s ability to enroll international students—a move that has stirred significant controversy.
“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, nor do they ever intend to,” Trump said in a post. He added, “Nobody told us that! We want to know who those foreign students are, a reasonable request since we give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, but Harvard isn’t exactly forthcoming. We want those names and countries. Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue GRANTING money to you!”
The university has stated that it enrolled around 6,800 international students in the 2024-2025 academic year, which amounts to approximately 27 percent of its total student body, slightly lower than the figure Trump cited. These students come from a variety of countries and, according to Harvard’s publicly available data, pay full tuition for their education. International students are typically not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, which means that their tuition payments may, in fact, contribute to supporting institutional costs for domestic students.
Despite the financial contribution international students make to Harvard, Trump’s statements reflect growing political tension over elite academic institutions and their perceived alignment with liberal values, diversity efforts, and global engagement. Some observers believe that limiting the number of foreign students at Harvard could create more openings for American applicants. While this idea may resonate with certain groups, it also raises concerns about the long-term implications for higher education and the global academic reputation of U.S. universities.
Trump has been locked in an extended battle with Harvard, the nation’s oldest and most financially robust university. His grievances range from accusations of antisemitism on campus to allegations of racial and ideological bias embedded within the school’s policies and curriculum. This latest attack zeroes in on the university’s global makeup and its relationship with the federal government.
The president’s repeated targeting of Harvard has coincided with his broader efforts to reshape the direction of American education and reduce what he sees as liberal dominance in the nation’s academic institutions. He has accused the school of failing to uphold American values and has specifically condemned its diversity initiatives. His actions have not only affected Harvard but also sent ripples through the broader higher education landscape, with other institutions watching closely.
Trump’s demands come on the heels of a legal victory for Harvard, which recently challenged the Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to block the enrollment of foreign students. A federal judge intervened on Friday, issuing a temporary halt to the policy. This ruling gives Harvard a brief reprieve as it continues to litigate the matter. The university has also filed a separate lawsuit against the Trump administration over billions of dollars in federal research funding that the administration froze in retaliation for Harvard’s refusal to dismantle its diversity programs.
The financial stakes in this clash are substantial. Harvard’s endowment exceeds $52 billion, making it the wealthiest university in the country. Despite this vast financial reserve, the school still receives significant federal research grants, which Trump now threatens to cut off permanently. In his remarks, Trump insisted Harvard should use its own funds instead of relying on taxpayer money, arguing that “Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue GRANTING money to you!”
The battle over foreign student enrollment has sparked broader concerns within the academic community about the future of U.S. higher education under increasing political scrutiny. Universities across the country are grappling with how to respond to shifting federal policies, particularly those targeting diversity, free speech, and foreign influence. Many fear that aggressive moves against institutions like Harvard could set a precedent that undermines the academic freedom and international prestige that American universities have long enjoyed.
Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric seems tailored to resonate with a portion of the electorate that views elite institutions as out of touch and unaccountable. His emphasis on Harvard receiving “BILLIONS OF DOLLARS” in federal funds plays into a narrative that taxpayer money is being funneled to liberal strongholds that do not reflect mainstream American values. By questioning the loyalty and financial accountability of international students, Trump appears to be doubling down on his America First platform, extending its reach to education policy.
At the same time, Trump’s critics argue that these attacks risk doing real damage to U.S. interests. International students not only bring in substantial revenue to American universities but also contribute to the nation’s economy and innovation ecosystem. Many go on to become researchers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Policies that discourage their enrollment could have long-term repercussions, both academically and economically.
The president’s call for disclosure of international students’ names and countries of origin also raises privacy concerns. While universities typically collect this information, releasing it could pose legal and ethical challenges. Critics warn that such demands might violate student privacy rights and increase the vulnerability of certain students, especially those from politically sensitive or conflict-affected regions.
Harvard, for its part, has remained largely restrained in its public responses, relying instead on legal avenues to contest the administration’s directives. By pursuing litigation, the university aims to protect not only its own interests but also those of other academic institutions that could be similarly targeted in the future.
The ongoing legal battle over foreign students and diversity funding is emblematic of the deeper ideological clash between Trump’s vision of a nationalist, merit-based educational system and the more global, inclusive approach favored by institutions like Harvard. As the 2024 presidential election cycle heats up, it’s likely that these cultural flashpoints will continue to be politicized, with elite universities caught in the crossfire.
While Trump’s latest salvo may energize his base, it also underscores the growing divide over the role of education in shaping America’s future. For universities, the challenge will be navigating this contentious landscape while upholding their commitments to academic excellence, inclusivity, and global engagement.
In the meantime, Harvard’s legal and public relations teams are preparing for what could be a prolonged battle over the school’s autonomy and access to federal support. Whether the university’s endowment will be enough to shield it from the political fallout remains to be seen. But what is certain is that the fight over foreign students is only the latest front in a much larger war over the soul of American higher education.