Washington, May 23 (V7N) — In a sweeping move escalating its confrontation with Harvard University, the Trump administration has barred the institution from admitting foreign students for the 2025–26 academic year. The decision comes just months after the administration slashed federal funding to the university by approximately $3 billion.

In a statement released Thursday, the U.S. Department of State announced the cancellation of Harvard’s foreign student exchange program. As a result, Harvard will not be permitted to enroll new international students, and those currently enrolled may have their immigration status revoked unless they transfer to other institutions immediately.

U.S. Secretary of State Christie Noem accused the university of “inciting violence and anti-Semitism” and alleged connections with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) — claims Harvard has strongly denied.

Reacting to the move, Harvard called the decision “illegal and politically motivated,” arguing that it puts the academic futures of thousands of students at risk. In a statement, the university said, “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to our institution and to the global academic community. We are fully committed to protecting the right of international scholars and students to study at Harvard.”

According to official data, approximately 7,000 foreign students were enrolled at Harvard last academic year — making up 27.2 percent of the total student body.

Observers view this action as part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration targeting elite academic institutions. After returning to office in January, President Trump began reducing federal support to Harvard, citing allegations of discrimination and ideological bias within the university. The matter has since moved to the courts, with Harvard challenging the cuts.

Critics argue that the latest decision undermines America’s position as a global leader in higher education and threatens long-standing academic partnerships. The university community and civil liberties groups have vowed to continue fighting the restrictions through legal channels.

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