Homeland Security revokes Harvard’s SEVP certification, but federal court issues temporary injunction.
President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Harvard University on Friday, doubling down on his administration’s controversial move to bar the Ivy League institution from admitting new international students.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that nearly 31% of Harvard’s student body comprises foreign nationals and accused the university of withholding details about these enrollees despite federal demands.
“Why isn’t Harvard disclosing that almost 31% of their students are from FOREIGN COUNTRIES, many of which are unfriendly to the U.S., and contribute NOTHING to fund their education?” Trump wrote. “We demand transparency—names and nationalities.”
The president also targeted Harvard’s finances, claiming the university holds $52 million in reserves and should cease requesting federal aid. “Harvard gets BILLIONS from taxpayers. Use your own funds,” he added, proposing that federal grants be tied to compliance with data-sharing mandates.
Court Halts Certification Revocation
Trump’s remarks followed a federal judge’s temporary block on the administration’s attempt to strip Harvard of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, had abruptly revoked the certification earlier this week, citing national security risks, foreign influence concerns, and allegations of campus violence and antisemitism. Noem’s letter accused Harvard of collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party.
Harvard swiftly sued, labeling the revocation unconstitutional and “devastating” for its 7,000 international students. The lawsuit, filed in Boston, argued the move would “erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body” and undermine its academic mission.
Broader Legal and Political Clash
The dispute marks the latest escalation in Trump’s long-running feud with elite universities over immigration, funding, and ideological influence. Harvard is already embroiled in multiple lawsuits against the administration, including challenges to its admissions policies and curriculum.
Trump’s rhetoric aligns with his campaign focus on curbing immigration and reshaping higher education, which he claims is infiltrated by anti-American values. While the court’s injunction preserves Harvard’s SEVP status temporarily, further hearings are expected as the legal battle unfolds.
