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By Peter Aitken and Gabe Whisnant
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A judge on Friday halted the Trump administration's attempt to strip Harvard University of its ability to enroll international students—an action seen as part of broader efforts by the White House to align academic institutions with President Donald Trump's policy agenda.
Why It Matters
Trump has targeted Harvard after the university openly defied demands to limit pro-Palestinian activism and end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices.
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The administration has already canceled $60 million in grants to Harvard, in addition to some $3 billion worth of frozen or canceled grants and contracts. Trump is also trying to strip the university of its tax-exempt status.
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What To Know
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday announced that the Trump administration revoked Harvard University's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively halting its ability to enroll international students and forcing any current international students to transfer or lose their legal status.
Noem cited allegations that Harvard fostered violence, antisemitism and collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. She emphasized that admitting international students is a privilege, not a right, and said that Harvard had ample opportunity to comply with federal demands but refused to do so.
Harvard responded by filing a complaint on Friday in federal court in Boston, denouncing the move as a "blatant violation" of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The university warned that the decision would have an "immediate and devastating effect" on the institution and more than 7,000 students on visas.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, issued a temporary restraining order to halt the implementation of the policy.
The Trump administration's pressure on Harvard is part of a broader Republican effort to push universities, law firms, the media, the judiciary and other traditionally nonpartisan institutions to conform to the president's political agenda.
"With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission," Harvard said Friday.
"Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard," the 389-year-old school added.
What People Are Saying
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Newsweek in an emailed statement: "The American people elected President Trump – not random local judges with their own liberal agenda – to run the country. These unelected judges have no right to stop the Trump Administration from exercising their rightful control over immigration policy and national security policy."
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek in an emailed statement: "The ruling delays justice and seeks to kneecap the President's constitutionally vested powers under Article II. It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments; that fact hasn't changed. The Trump administration is committed to restoring common sense to our student visa system, and we expect a higher court to vindicate us in this. We have the law, the facts, and common sense on our side."
Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton told USA Today: "The government's action is unlawful. We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard's ability to host international students and scholars."
What Happens Next
The issue will continue to play out in the courts, which could either empower or limit the Trump administration to use a similar tactic against other private educational institutions.
Update 5/23/25, 1:15 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information, context and comment.
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