The Trump administration has issued a stark warning to Harvard University, stating that it may lose its ability to enroll foreign students if it fails to comply with federal demands for information on certain visa holders, marking a significant escalation in the government’s growing confrontation with elite academic institutions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem declared that the university must provide records related to what she described as “illegal and violent activities” by foreign students holding U.S. visas. The deadline for submission has been set for April 30.
“If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem stated.
Adding to the pressure, the DHS announced the termination of two federal grants to Harvard, totaling more than $2.7 million. Secretary Noem also suggested that the university’s substantial $53.2 billion endowment could be utilized to “fund its own chaos.”
This move comes amidst a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on campus protests against the U.S. government’s support for Israel, particularly in light of the Israeli military’s offensive in Gaza following the October 2023 attack by Hamas. The administration has labeled these demonstrations—some involving international students—as “anti-American” and “pro-Hamas.”
In response to the DHS announcement, Harvard reiterated that while it will abide by the law, it “will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” A spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter concerning the grants and scrutiny of foreign students.
These developments follow increasing pressure on universities across the U.S., with the administration warning of funding cuts to institutions that it claims have failed to curb antisemitism or have allowed what it perceives as extremist sympathies to flourish under the guise of academic freedom and protest rights.
Critics, including civil liberties groups and human rights organizations, have expressed alarm over the administration’s approach, raising concerns about free speech, academic freedom, and a perceived rise in Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiment.
In recent weeks, the administration has taken steps to revoke visas of student protesters and has reportedly canceled or frozen funding to several other Ivy League institutions, including Columbia, Princeton, Cornell, Brown, and Northwestern.
Harvard has pushed back against what it views as government overreach. On Monday, it refused several administration demands, which included the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, a campus mask ban, and other culture war-related restrictions.
In retaliation, the administration announced the freezing of $2.3 billion in federal funds allocated to the university and signaled a broader review of nearly $9 billion in federal contracts and grants.
President Trump also threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a move legal experts warn would set a dangerous precedent. According to CNN, the Internal Revenue Service is currently reviewing the matter, with a decision expected in the near future.
Harvard has strongly contested the legal basis of this threat, warning that such a step would severely impact its financial aid programs and force a curtailment of critical medical research initiatives.
Despite the mounting pressure, Harvard has maintained that it will continue efforts to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination on campus, while protecting the principles of academic freedom and the right to peaceful protest.
