WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump is sending a powerful message to elite universities: Taxpayer-funded institutions that promote radical agendas and antisemitism will face consequences. On Friday, Trump responded to questions about whether his administration would expand its crackdown on colleges accepting foreign students, following a major move to strip Harvard University of its international enrollment privileges.
“Harvard is going to have to change its ways—and so are some others,” President Trump said from the Oval Office. “They’ve got a $52 billion endowment, and we’re still giving them billions in taxpayer funding? It’s disgraceful.”
Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Order—For Now
While the Trump administration moved swiftly to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, a federal judge appointed by Barack Obama issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on Friday, pausing enforcement.
The court is set to review the issue on Thursday, May 29, but for now, Harvard can continue accepting foreign students.
Crackdown on Ivy League Antisemitism, Chinese Influence
This action comes in response to growing concerns about antisemitism, foreign influence, and radical protests on America’s most elite campuses. Pro-Hamas demonstrations erupted last year after the October 7 terror attacks against Israel, prompting outrage across the nation.
Harvard and Columbia University came under fire for allowing what the Trump administration described as “violent, antisemitic rhetoric” and collaboration with foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Harvard “repeatedly failed to meet basic national security standards” and ignored demands to hand over student misconduct records and surveillance evidence tied to illegal or dangerous activities.
Federal Funding and Grants on the Line
The administration had already pulled nearly $3 million in DHS grants from Harvard and froze $400 million in federal funds from Columbia. Trump warned that more institutions could see funding cuts if they don’t clean up their act.
“It’s a privilege, not a right, for these universities to cash in on foreign student tuition while pushing anti-American propaganda,” Noem posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Her message was clear: Comply with the law—or lose federal privileges.
Trump Blasts “Woke” Higher Ed Establishment
President Trump has long criticized the higher education system for being out of touch with American values. In his remarks Friday, he slammed schools for prioritizing diversity programs, radical politics, and foreign student profits over national security and traditional values.
“Billions of dollars are going to schools that push far-left agendas. Meanwhile, everyday Americans are stuck with the bill. That’s going to change,” Trump said.
The Trump administration’s action reflects growing public frustration with taxpayer money supporting colleges accused of fostering division, radicalism, and anti-Israel sentiment.
Harvard’s Response and What Comes Next
In a statement sent to media outlets, Harvard claimed victory in court—at least temporarily—saying the ruling allows them to keep enrolling international students.
The university stated that international scholars are “vital” to its mission and that it would continue to fight the Trump administration’s order in court.
But with a hearing just days away, and public pressure mounting, Harvard’s privileged status could still be on the chopping block.