Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, May 25: In a development that has triggered intense academic and diplomatic debate, US President Donald Trump has strongly defended his administration’s move to block foreign students at Harvard University, following a recent court decision that put a temporary hold on the controversial directive.
Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused the Ivy League institution of harbouring a large number of international students—reportedly 31% of the total student body—without any financial contribution from their respective home countries. He expressed outrage over the lack of transparency, stating, “We want those names and countries. Harvard has $52 billion, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue granting money to you!”
Trump further alleged that some of the students came from countries that are "not at all friendly to the United States", calling it a national concern. “Nobody told us that!” he exclaimed, pointing fingers at Harvard for being uncooperative with his administration’s information requests.
The federal court’s intervention on Friday temporarily halted the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. The university had swiftly filed a legal complaint in the Boston Federal Court, describing the move as a “blatant violation of the US Constitution” and federal laws.
Harvard, in its filing, highlighted the gravity of the decision, stating that over 7,000 international students would be affected immediately, threatening the institution’s global standing and inclusive academic environment. “With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body,” the university said.
The latest controversy stems from an earlier notification issued by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, announcing the revocation of Harvard's SEVP certification. This action would have effectively barred new foreign students from enrolling and placed existing international students in visa limbo.
While Trump’s remarks received backing from some conservative quarters calling for "America First" policies in academia, the decision has sparked widespread criticism among educational leaders, international allies, and civil rights advocates. Critics argue that such moves undermine US higher education's global appeal and violate fundamental academic freedoms.
As legal proceedings unfold, the debate continues to stir tensions between political ideology and academic autonomy, with thousands of students watching closely to see if their educational futures in the US remain secure.