"Harvard should limit foreign student enrollment to 15%, asserts Trump"
U.S. President Donald Trump proposes a 15% cap on foreign student enrollment at Harvard University, marking an escalation in his efforts to influence the elite institution's policies. During a White House address on May 28, Trump expressed this view, stating, "I think they should have a cap of maybe around 15 per cent, not 31 per cent."
His comments followed an earlier attempt to block Harvard entirely from admitting foreign students, which is part of a broader campaign against the institution and other academic entities. The administration's objectives include modifying admissions procedures, hiring practices, and addressing perceived anti-Semitic activities linked to protests over Israel's conflict in Gaza.
Harvard has become a significant focus for Trump, with his administration freezing more than $2.6 billion in federal research funding. Trump is also waging a campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and alleged left-wing bias on U.S. college campuses. Harvard is currently embroiled in legal action against the government over the funding cuts, securing a temporary court order to halt the government's ban on foreign students.
As of May 2025, nearly 6,800 students—or 27% of the entire student body—at Harvard are from other countries, according to university data. This figure represents a rise from about 20% in 2006. International students cover substantial financial resources for U.S. universities due to their ability to pay full tuition, although Harvard offers financial aid for international undergraduates.
"I want to make sure that the foreign students are people that can love our country," Trump stated on May 28.
The administration is additionally considering revoking visas for Chinese students and canceling all remaining federal contracts with Harvard. Trump has repeatedly called for Harvard to lose its tax-exempt status, which would have severe financial consequences for the university, despite its $53 billion endowment—the largest among U.S. schools.
Comparing Harvard unfavorably to Columbia University, which Trump said is cooperating with him to find a solution, Trump called Harvard "anti-Semitic" and "very bad" if it continues to resist U.S. government demands.
Foreign students serve as a significant source of revenue for U.S. universities, including Harvard, due to their full tuition payments. The President's continued pressure on the institution aims to force changes in its admissions, governance, and academic programs. However, Harvard is actively contesting these measures in court.
[1] Riva, A. (2021, May 28). Trump Targets Harvard in Continued Overseas Student Crackdown. Bloomberg.[2] Harper, C. M. (2021, June 1). Trump administration orders U.S. embassies to halt student visa appointments for Harvard. The Washington Post.
- The ongoing political clash between President Donald Trump and Harvard University involves a proposed policy to limit foreign student enrollment, reflecting Trump's broader campaign against diversity and perceived left-wing bias in U.S. education and self-development.
- Amidst this dispute, the administration is also considering measures like revoking visas for Chinese students and canceling federal contracts with Harvard, within the realm of policy and legislation.
- The escalating tension has propelled online-education discussions, with general-news outlets covering the conflict, and international students, a significant learning community within Harvard, facing potential changes in their ongoing education experience.
