The Trump administration announced that Harvard University could lose its ability to enroll international students unless it agrees to new federal demands for external oversight of its internal operations.
President Donald Trump, a long-time critic of Harvard, accused the university of resisting scrutiny over its admissions policies, hiring practices, and what he described as its political bias. Harvard, which has produced 162 Nobel laureates, is now under pressure to comply with federal reporting rules or face significant consequences. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, failure to comply could result in restrictions on admitting foreign students, who currently make up 27.2% of the student population.
Trump intensified his attacks, referring to Harvard as a “joke” and advocating for the suspension of its federal research funding. In a post on Truth Social, he claimed the university “teaches Hate and Stupidity” and should not be ranked among the world’s top academic institutions.
Federal officials are also reportedly exploring whether to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, with the Internal Revenue Service currently reviewing the proposal. While the White House said any decision would be made independently, the move follows escalating tensions between the administration and elite academic institutions.
At the heart of the dispute is Harvard’s refusal to accept federal oversight in areas such as student admissions, faculty hiring, and academic programming. Unlike Columbia University, which recently accepted federal monitoring to secure $400 million in funding, Harvard has pushed back. University President Alan Garber stated that Harvard will not compromise its independence or constitutional rights.
The administration’s crackdown also includes halting $2.2 billion in federal research funding allocated to Harvard. These funds support a wide range of scientific and medical research projects, including drug development and treatment innovations. Trump’s allies claim the measures are justified by concerns over anti-Semitism on campus and the university’s approach to diversity, especially in light of ongoing protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In addition to compliance with federal reporting standards, the administration is demanding that Harvard eliminate race-conscious admissions, prohibit hiring based on demographic criteria, reduce student governance, and tighten restrictions on campus protests. It also calls for ideological audits of faculty and students, alongside restructuring programs it considers politically biased.
The developments have sparked national debate. Critics argue that the government is targeting academic institutions for political reasons, while supporters claim the measures ensure accountability and ideological balance. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr publicly defended Harvard, calling the administration’s demands “the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard” and emphasizing the importance of academic freedom.
As tensions escalate, Harvard faces a growing list of demands with billions in funding and its ability to serve international students hanging in the balance.