U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out a card to block the registration of foreign students at Harvard University and has now demanded the disclosure of foreign students' names and nationalities.
On the 25th (local time), President Trump noted on social media platform Truth Social, “Why doesn’t Harvard disclose that nearly 31% of the entire student body comes from abroad?” He added, “Some countries are not friendly at all to the United States and are spending not a dime to educate their students.”
He continued, “It is a reasonable request since we are providing billions of dollars in support to Harvard,” stating, “Harvard is reluctant to disclose that information, but we want to know their names and home countries.”
Last month, President Trump demanded reforms by presenting 10 conditions, including the restructuring of the foreign student system to prevent the admission of students with anti-Israel leanings if Harvard wants to receive federal subsidies. The demands also include requests for detailed records of illegal activities by these students.
Harvard rejected President Trump’s demands, arguing that they violate academic freedom, leading to severe conflicts between the two sides. The Trump administration announced on the 22nd that it would revoke Harvard’s eligibility to enroll foreign students. Harvard promptly filed for a temporary injunction on the morning of the 23rd, which was accepted by the court.
On the same day, President Trump stated, “Harvard has $52 million (approximately 71.1 billion won),” urging, “Stop using that money and continue to request support from the federal government.” However, he did not clarify the basis for mentioning '$52 million'. Harvard reportedly has a fund of $53.2 billion as of the 2024 fiscal year.
Other universities are also concerned that this situation could spread to them. Sally Kornbluth, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), wrote in a message to school members, “I write this with deep shock,” adding, “The government’s move to ban Harvard from accepting foreign students is a fatal blow to America's excellence, openness, and creativity.”