Trump Administration Cracks Down on Harvard Over Foreign Student Enrollment

In a major escalation of tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University, the White House has taken multiple steps to punish the Ivy League institution, including threatening its ability to admit foreign students.

On Wednesday, after already cutting off more than $2.7 million in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants, the administration issued a new warning to the university: it may lose its eligibility to host international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Issues Deadline, Demands Records

In a stern letter obtained by a news agency, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated she had set a deadline of April 30 for Harvard to submit documents related to “illegal and violent activities” involving foreign exchange students.

“It is a privilege to have foreign students attend Harvard University, not a guarantee,”
— DHS Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in the letter addressed to Harvard’s Director of Immigration Services.

Noem added that the federal government is aware that Harvard depends heavily on international student enrollment, with over 10,000 foreign students contributing significantly to its endowment and operating budget.

Accusations of Antisemitism on Campus

The controversy stems largely from how Harvard has handled campus protests and allegations of antisemitism. According to Noem, the university has allowed a “hostile environment” for Jewish students, citing its failure to adequately respond to antisemitic rhetoric and demonstrations.

Earlier this week, Harvard stated it would not comply with the Trump administration’s directives aimed at controlling campus discourse around antisemitism. In retaliation, the White House blocked $2.2 billion in long-term federal grants and $60 million in federal contracts, intensifying the financial squeeze on the university.

IRS Investigating Harvard’s Tax-Exempt Status

Trump Calls for Harvard to Pay Taxes

Adding to the pressure, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now reportedly considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status. According to a report by The New York Times, at least three sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the U.S. Treasury Department requested the IRS to explore removing Harvard's tax privileges.

President Trump has publicly expressed support for this move, saying:

“Harvard should start paying taxes,”
— Donald Trump said on Tuesday.

The administration is also reportedly urging changes in how Harvard admits students, hires faculty, and designs academic curricula—a bold intervention into university governance rarely seen at this scale.

Harvard’s Global Standing Under Threat

This confrontation could significantly impact Harvard’s reputation and operations, especially its ability to attract top talent from across the globe. The potential loss of international students and its tax-exempt status would be financially and academically damaging.

Noem accused Harvard of no longer representing its historical excellence, citing “the rise of extreme views on campus” as a threat to national security.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s growing conflict with Harvard University has taken a serious turn. From slashing millions in federal grants to threatening the revocation of its ability to host international students, the administration is leveraging both political and financial pressure in unprecedented ways.

At the heart of the issue are concerns about antisemitism on campus and transparency around foreign student activities. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s stern warning, combined with an IRS probe into Harvard’s tax-exempt status, highlights a broader effort by the administration to hold academic institutions accountable to its standards.

With the deadline of April 30 approaching, Harvard faces tough decisions that could reshape its student body, funding, and future. The university’s refusal to comply could lead to irreversible consequences, especially its international outreach.

The world is watching closely as the confrontation unfolds, potentially setting a precedent for how political ideologies intersect with academic freedoms and global education.

The Trump administration has warned Harvard University that it may lose its ability to enroll foreign students and its tax-exempt status unless it complies with demands related to antisemitism and student activity records.