Harvard University

Harvard University faces a financial crisis triggered by US government pressure, prompting drastic measures. These include the president’s salary reduction, budget cuts, layoffs, and reduced admissions, with other universities expressing concern. International students, comprising 27% of the student body, face potential visa issues and deportation risks. The US government has banned Harvard from recruiting international students, leading to a lawsuit. This situation threatens Harvard’s academic standing, impacting the nation and causing anxiety among students.

Tensions between Donald Trump and Harvard University intensified after Trump criticized its academic standards, claiming some students struggle with basic math, amid federal actions targeting the institution. The Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in grants, alleging antisemitism tolerance and controversial DEI policies. On May 22, Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, accusing it of fostering anti-Jewish sentiment. Harvard President Claudine Gay denounced the moves as political overreach, filing an emergency lawsuit. Analysts see the conflict as part of broader ideological clashes over academic freedom and federal oversight, with Harvard’s $51 billion endowment buffering immediate financial impacts but legal outcomes potentially reshaping university autonomy.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s sudden revocation of Harvard’s certification to host international students, citing “immediate and irreparable harm.” The ruling, following Harvard’s lawsuit against DHS and ICE, pauses enforcement ahead of a key hearing. The university argued the move would displace 25% of its student body and retaliate against academic freedom. DHS defended the policy as a “privilege” and vowed to challenge the decision, while President Trump criticized Harvard. Legal uncertainty remains for 7,000 scholars at risk of deportation, with experts advising contingency planning. The case overshadows Harvard’s commencement amid protests against the administration’s actions.

The Trump administration revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, alleging “terrorism support,” forcing 6,800 current students to transfer or face legal status risks. The move impacts Harvard’s $5.4B budget, as international students (27% of its body) pay full tuition. Officials framed it as accountability for defying federal demands on curriculum and campus policies. Harvard, which had sued to reclaim $2.2B in frozen grants, called the action unlawful overreach threatening U.S. academic leadership. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement, setting up prolonged legal battles. The conflict highlights tensions between federal authority and higher education autonomy.