Trump Pushes Harvard to Slash Foreign Students to 15%

In a bold and controversial move, former President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Harvard University reduce its international student population to no more than 15%, down from the current 27.2%. Trump says the move is necessary to “make Harvard great again” and to open up more spots for American students who, he claims, are being left out.

“We have people who want to go to Harvard… but they can’t get in because we have foreign students there,” Trump told reporters during a media briefing at the White House.

This marks the latest clash between the Trump political movement and elite American universities — and it’s already sending shockwaves through higher education.

Trump Freezes Billions in Harvard Funding and Blocks Foreign Enrollment

Trump’s announcement isn’t just talk. Over the last month, his administration has taken serious steps to put pressure on Harvard.

$2.2 Billion in federal funding has been frozen
New international student admissions have been paused
Federal agencies have been instructed to investigate Harvard’s tax-exempt status
The university has been warned about “disrespecting” American taxpayers

“Harvard is treating our country with great disrespect,” Trump said. “I want Harvard to be great again.”

Here’s a Breakdown of What Trump’s Administration Has Done So Far

Action Taken	Description
Frozen $2.2 Billion in Federal Funds	Withheld public funding over governance and antisemitism concerns
Paused Foreign Admissions	Temporarily blocked new international students from enrolling
Tax Status Threatened	Signaled review of Harvard’s non-profit/tax-exempt classification
Funding Redirection Proposed	Pledged to move Ivy League funding to trade and vocational schools

“Too Many Foreign Students”: Trump Wants Room for More Americans

Trump’s central argument is that Harvard is filled with too many international students, limiting opportunities for U.S. citizens. He pointed to the fact that over one-quarter (27.2%) of Harvard students are from other countries.

“I think they should have a cap of maybe around 15 percent, not 31 percent,” Trump said. “Americans should come first.”

This echoes past Trump-era themes of “America First”, but now directed at higher education.

What Trump Says Foreign Students Are Taking:

College admissions spots that could go to Americans
Access to scholarships and federal aid
Research opportunities funded by U.S. taxpayers
Intellectual resources and faculty attention

What a 15% Cap Would Look Like at Harvard

If Harvard followed Trump’s recommendation and cut international enrollment to 15%, thousands of potential students from overseas would be affected.

Metric	Current (2024–25)	Trump’s Proposal
International Student %	27.2%	15%
Estimated International Students	~5,000	~2,700
Countries Most Affected	China, India, UK, South Korea, Canada	Same

Harvard Isn’t Staying Quiet: The Lawsuit and the Fight Ahead

Harvard responded by filing a federal lawsuit on April 21, accusing the Trump administration of overreach, political targeting, and unlawful interference in the university’s governance.

Harvard’s Key Arguments in the Lawsuit:

The federal government cannot dictate admissions policies at private institutions
Political punishment for speech and culture is unconstitutional
Targeting international students harms academic excellence

“Every time they fight, they lose another $250 million. Yesterday, we found another $100 million,” Trump said.

Trump Says the Real Answer Is Trade Schools

Trump isn’t just criticizing Harvard — he’s proposing an alternative. He wants the billions currently directed toward elite schools to instead fund trade schools and vocational programs.

“With that kind of money, you could have the best trade schools anywhere in the world,” he said.

Trump’s Vision for Education:

More funding for plumbers, electricians, and welders
Less money for Ivy League institutions
A focus on jobs and workforce readiness, not liberal arts

What’s Next for Harvard, Students, and U.S. Higher Education?

If Trump continues his push and finds legal or legislative support, elite universities across the country could face major changes.

Potential Outcomes:

Reduced international enrollment
Decrease in federal research funding
Increased scrutiny of campus politics and speech
More support for vocational and community colleges

Harvard, with its $52 billion endowment, is financially strong — but even it may find it difficult to win a prolonged battle if public sentiment turns.

Final Thoughts

This is more than just a feud between Trump and Harvard — it could mark a major shift in American higher education policy. From who gets admitted, to where government money goes, to how universities manage free speech, this clash is likely to set new precedents.

As the fight continues in courts, campuses, and the media, one question looms large:

Who gets to decide the future of American education — the universities or the government?