Washington, D.C. – On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump sharply criticized Harvard University for its high proportion of international students, advocating for a limit of 15 percent on foreign admissions at Harvard and other American universities. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump expressed concerns over foreign students allegedly contributing to social unrest and suggested stronger scrutiny of their origins and intentions.
"We don't want to see shopping centres explode. We don't want to see the kind of riots that you had," the President stated, referring to recent disturbances. "Many of those students were troublemakers influenced by the radical left."
Trump called Harvard a "disaster" for admitting nearly 31 percent foreign students and demanded the university disclose detailed information about these students to the government. "Harvard has to show us their lists. We want to know where those students come from, whether they are troublemakers, and which countries they represent," he said. The President further argued that such a large intake of foreign students limits opportunities for American students who seek admission.
Additionally, Trump accused Harvard of harboring anti-Semitic attitudes among its student body and faculty. He claimed the university has mishandled allegations, resulting in financial consequences and declining support. "They’ve received over $5 billion, yet their handling of these issues has been very poor," he remarked.
Echoing his broader policy approach, the President suggested redirecting funding towards trade schools focused on practical skills such as AI development. "With that kind of money, you can have the best trade schools in the world, teaching people how to build AI," he added.
Context of the Administration’s Higher Education Policies
Since taking office in January, Trump’s administration has pursued an extensive immigration crackdown, including targeting international students involved in political protests. Student visas and green cards of individuals participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been revoked. The government has also frozen billions in research grants and contracts to private colleges suspected of promoting "anti-American" or "radical left" ideologies, with Harvard being a central focus.
The administration has demanded administrative reforms and transparency from Harvard, particularly regarding its foreign student population and political affiliations among staff. Scholars affiliated with the Democratic Party have drawn presidential criticism for their influence in American higher education institutions.
This development reflects ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and elite universities over immigration, academic freedom, and ideological direction within American education.
