Trump Admin Threatens Harvard with Foreign Student Ban (See Details)

Tensions between Harvard University and the Trump administration have reached a boiling point, as the U.S. government now threatens to ban the prestigious school from enrolling foreign students.

The move comes after Harvard refused to comply with a list of demands from President Donald Trump’s administration aimed at reshaping its admissions, hiring, and teaching policies — all part of what the White House says is a national push to fight antisemitism on college campuses.

In a bold statement, Harvard President Alan Garber said the university would not be pressured into giving up its academic independence or constitutional rights.

“The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” Garber wrote in a message to the Harvard community on Monday.

Despite Harvard’s insistence that it has taken several steps to address antisemitism, the administration is doubling down.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has demanded detailed records about what she referred to as “illegal and violent” activities involving international students on campus.

If Harvard fails to comply, it could lose its privilege to enroll foreign students — a move that would affect over 27% of its student population.

The threat adds to a growing list of punishments facing the Ivy League institution.

Earlier, the government froze $2.2 billion in federal funding, and there are reports that the IRS is considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status — a decision that could cost the university millions annually.

President Trump himself took to his Truth Social platform to voice his anger, writing:

“Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.”

This isn’t the first time a top university has clashed with the Trump administration. In March, Columbia University complied with federal demands after losing $400 million in funding, agreeing to leadership changes and promising a review of its admissions process.

Harvard, while making some changes — including dismissing certain leaders from its Middle Eastern Studies department — has pushed back on more sweeping demands.

Critics argue that the administration’s moves are politically motivated. Trump and his Vice President, JD Vance, have often targeted universities, accusing them of being biased against conservatives.

According to recent Gallup polling, trust in higher education has been steadily declining, especially among Republicans — many of whom see universities as promoting a liberal agenda.

As the showdown continues, the future of thousands of international students — and the academic freedom of one of the world’s most iconic universities — hangs in the balance.