Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s controversial decision to block foreign students from enrolling at Harvard University, following a court’s temporary suspension of the policy.
In a statement posted online, Trump questioned why Harvard has not disclosed that nearly 31% of its students are foreigners, suggesting that such a demographic does not necessarily contribute to the country’s benefit.
He further asserted that the U.S. government has a responsibility to monitor and identify foreign nationals studying in America—especially at institutions like Harvard, which, he noted, receives billions of dollars in public funding.
The issue escalated after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suspended Harvard’s privilege to accept international students. This action was reportedly prompted by the university’s alleged failure to provide sufficient data regarding visa holders suspected of links to violent activities.
However, the policy was swiftly halted by the courts after Harvard filed a legal challenge, arguing that the government’s move was unlawful, unjustified, and unconstitutional.
Critics claim the crackdown is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration against U.S. universities. The campaign reportedly includes the freezing of a $2.2 billion grant and a $60 million federal contract with Harvard.
The legal battle highlights the growing tensions between higher education institutions and the federal government over immigration, funding, and national security concerns.
