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Trump Targets Harvard, Suspends Entry of Foreign Students Over Security Claims

In a dramatic escalation of tensions with one of America’s most prestigious universities, President Donald Trump has moved to block international students and scholars from entering the U.S. to study or work at Harvard University. The administration claims the measure is necessary to protect national security—Harvard calls it retaliation cloaked in politics.

Highlights:

  • Trump issues proclamation suspending entry of foreign nationals linked to Harvard.
  • Action follows legal clash over foreign student rights and campus protests.
  • Harvard accuses the administration of retaliating against academic independence.
  • DHS claims Harvard failed to report misconduct by international students.
  • Over 7,000 foreign scholars and students currently enrolled at Harvard.

Main Story:

President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation restricting foreign nationals from entering the United States for study, research, or teaching at Harvard University. The announcement, titled “Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University,” intensifies the administration’s campaign to reshape higher education policies in the name of security and discipline.

The new directive comes shortly after a federal judge temporarily blocked an earlier attempt by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. That move would have effectively barred Harvard from enrolling foreign students.

Trump’s latest order singles out Harvard, accusing the university of allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist” sentiments on campus and failing to police international students involved in disruptive protests linked to the Israel-Gaza war.

Harvard has rejected the accusations and responded with lawsuits, claiming the administration is overstepping constitutional bounds and violating the institution’s First Amendment rights. “This is yet another illegal retaliatory step,” a university spokesperson said.

The proclamation demands that Harvard disclose more information on international students, including any evidence of misconduct or threats to campus safety. The administration argued that Harvard’s previous response to DHS inquiries—identifying just three students—was inadequate.

In addition to the travel ban, the Trump administration has taken further action against Harvard, including threats to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status, cancel research contracts, and review federal grant allocations.

Attorney General Pam Bondi voiced strong support for the move, stating that the Department of Justice would “vigorously defend” the proclamation. The suspension is set to last six months, with the possibility of extension, and applies exclusively to Harvard—not other universities.

The proclamation’s legality remains under question, as presidential proclamations often lack the binding power of law unless specifically authorized by Congress or the Constitution. Legal experts anticipate further court challenges, particularly given Harvard’s strong legal resistance and the high stakes for its international community.

With over a quarter of its student body made up of foreign nationals, Harvard now faces an uncertain academic year ahead.

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