Trump administration gives Harvard 30 days to justify hosting international students

The Trump administration has given Harvard University 30 days to present evidence defending its right to host international students , following an escalating clash between the White House and the Ivy League institution. A formal "Notice of Intent to Withdraw" from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program was issued by the Department of Homeland Security , accusing Harvard of violating reporting requirements and failing to maintain an environment “free from violence and antisemitism.”

The move could derail a major court hearing scheduled as part of Harvard’s legal challenge against the administration's earlier decision to ban the school from enrolling new foreign students . The university called the decision “devastating,” with nearly 27 per cent of its students currently coming from overseas. If the government proceeds, these students could be forced to leave or transfer.

President Trump has continued to attack the university, demanding a 15 per cent cap on non-US students and accusing Harvard of radicalism, antisemitism, and financial hypocrisy. “We want those names and countries,” he wrote on Truth Social, criticising the university for not disclosing foreign student details. Trump has also floated cutting $3 billion in funding and redirecting it to trade schools, insisting “Harvard has got to behave themselves.”