Trump issues threat of retaliation towards Harvard University, stating his intention to give them a "firm rebuke" or "harsh treatment".
Trump Escalates Pressure on Harvard in Dispute over International Students
In a sharp escalation of his ongoing dispute with Harvard University, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to take further action against the elite institution. Trump accused Harvard of "great disrespect" towards the United States and isolating itself. He also stated that the university wants to show off its intelligence and will receive a "kick in the butt."
The conflict stems from the administration's accusations that certain U.S. universities, including Harvard, have a left-leaning bias and tolerate anti-Semitic incidents. In response, the Trump administration has withheld billions in federal funds from Harvard and seeks to prevent the university in Massachusetts from accepting international students. This legal battle is currently being heard in court.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State has temporarily halted the application process for all international student visas. This move is reportedly an expansion of social media checks for visa applicants, which were previously targeted at students already enrolled at U.S. universities and possibly involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
The dispute between President Trump and Harvard University over international students and visas revolves around the revocation of Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The university, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, claims that Harvard failed to disclose requested information about its international students, including any involvement in illegal or violent activities.
Harvard University has responded by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the revocation violates the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act. The court has issued a temporary restraining order to block the revocation, and negotiations between both sides are ongoing.
In the present scenario, Harvard's ability to enroll international students remains protected by a court order while both parties engage in legal negotiations.
- The European Union, committed to a common policy on the environment, has expressed concern over the Trump administration's enforcement of visa restrictions for international students, which could potentially hinder cross-cultural education-and-self-development and academic exchanges.
- News outlets have reported on the ongoing political standoff between President Trump and Harvard University, with discussions also surfacing in general-news forums regarding the impact of the dispute on the university's international student population and its commitment to fostering diversity in education.
