Trump threatens to strip Harvard of billions in funding over refusal to release international student data

President Donald Trump has intensified his standoff with Harvard University by doubling down on demands for the names and nationalities of its international students. In a series of fiery posts on his social media platform, Trump accused the prestigious institution of withholding information from the federal government while continuing to benefit from public funds.

“We give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS,” he wrote. “We want those names and countries.” Trump insisted his request was “reasonable,” citing alleged concerns that many of the students came from nations “not at all friendly to the United States.”

This week’s escalation follows a federal judge’s decision to temporarily block Trump’s administration from revoking Harvard’s certification to enrol foreign students—a move that could have crippled the academic futures of thousands and ignited global condemnation.

On Monday, Trump reiterated his demand, taking aim at Harvard’s response time. “Harvard is very slow in the presentation of these documents, and probably for good reason!” he posted.

The president also floated a provocative new proposal: redirecting $3 billion in federal grant money earmarked for Harvard to America’s trade schools. “What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!” he declared, casting Harvard as elitist and unaccountable to taxpayers.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also taken an aggressive stance, arguing Harvard lost the “privilege” to host international students by refusing to comply with repeated information requests. In an April letter, Noem demanded that the university provide detailed records on student visa holders, including any involvement in protests, disciplinary actions, or “known” violent activity.

Critics say the requests amount to political intimidation. Harvard, in a legal complaint filed last week, accused the administration of “a campaign of retribution” following disputes over campus policy, curriculum, and ideological freedom.

“This revocation is a blatant violation of the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act,” the university’s lawsuit stated. “It is the latest act by the government in clear retaliation for Harvard exercising its First Amendment rights.”

The administration argues that the data demand is about national security and accountability. However, immigration experts have pointed out that the federal government already has access to detailed information on international students through SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, SEVIS tracks visa status, coursework, and institutional compliance.

Despite this, Noem issued a 72-hour deadline for Harvard to hand over additional data if it hoped to restore its enrollment privileges for international students. Harvard insists it has already complied with existing SEVP requirements, even though it questioned the legality and scope of the new demands.

“Despite the unprecedented nature and scope of the April 16 demand, and the lack of any clear authority for most of the requests, Harvard worked diligently to collect and produce the information it is required to maintain,” the university said.

At the heart of the legal battle lies a broader cultural clash. Trump’s critics view his attacks on Harvard as part of a wider effort to undermine elite academic institutions and reshape their governance. His supporters, meanwhile, argue that taxpayer-funded universities should face stricter oversight, especially when enrolling students from potentially adversarial countries.

As Tuesday’s hearing approaches, the confrontation is set to test the limits of presidential authority over private universities—and reignite debate over academic freedom, immigration policy, and political retaliation.