U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his clash with Harvard University, threatening to reallocate $3 billion in federal grants from the institution to U.S. trade schools. In a social media post, Trump accused Harvard of antisemitism and framed the move as a "great investment" for the country, intensifying a broader campaign targeting elite universities.
The Trump administration has already frozen $2.6 billion in federal research funds for Harvard and blocked its ability to enroll international students, citing concerns over antisemitism and alleged radicalization. A temporary court order currently prevents the enrollment ban, but the uncertainty has left many foreign students fearing deportation or travel restrictions.
Trump also demanded Harvard provide "foreign student lists" to identify "radicalized lunatics," despite visa processes already requiring government approval. Harvard reports 27% of its student body as international, contradicting Trump’s claim of 31%.
Experts warn the administration’s actions risk politicizing education. Diao Daming, a professor at Renmin University’s School of International Studies, told state media the measures could "erode the appeal of U.S. universities" and harm America’s global competitiveness. "These actions are closing the door on America’s own future development," he said.
Harvard has sued the administration, calling the enrollment ban a "blatant violation" of law and free speech. The conflict highlights growing tensions between U.S. leadership and academic institutions, with critics accusing Trump of leveraging policy changes to rally conservative voters ahead of elections.
