Harvard Defies Trump Administration Amid Funding Cuts and International Student Visa Restrictions

Last Updated May - 29 - 2025, 05:16 PM | Source : Fela News

Harvard University faces significant challenges as the Trump administration cuts funding, restricts international student visas, and demands policy changes. The

Harvard University is holding its commencement on Thursday, May 29, 2025, amid significant challenges, as its status as a top global educational institution faces serious threats from the Trump administration. Unlike other universities that risk losing federal funding and international student admissions if they comply with shifting demands from the White House, Harvard, founded in 1636 well before the United States itself, is boldly resisting in federal court—accepting heavy consequences.

The Trump administration has recently targeted Harvard by requesting federal agencies to cancel approximately $100 million in contracts with the university, on top of already cutting over $2.6 billion in research grants. It has also sought to limit Harvard's international student enrollment and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status.

A key blow came when visa interviews for international students across the country were suspended, and Trump called for Harvard to reduce its international student population from 25% to roughly 15%.

Backed by a massive $53 billion endowment, Harvard is standing firm against the administration’s attempts to restrict what it considers antisemitic activism on campus—viewing these efforts as an attack on academic freedom nationwide.

The Trump administration demands that Harvard implement sweeping reforms to governance and admissions policies, conduct audits on campus diversity views, and cease recognizing certain student clubs.

The commencement speakers included Dr. Abraham Verghese, NBA legend and activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and journalist Christiane Amanpour. Abdul-Jabbar lauded Harvard President Alan Garber’s courageous stance against the administration’s pressure, likening it to Rosa Parks’ resistance to segregation. He highlighted Harvard as a rare institution standing up for freedom amid widespread compliance by other powerful entities.

In response to these pressures, Harvard has filed a lawsuit to block the funding freeze and secured a temporary court order to halt the ban on enrolling international students. The university is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on Thursday as commencement concludes, seeking a ruling to maintain its international student admissions.

Garber stated in an interview that the government’s attacks on scientific and medical research are unjustified and illegal, prompting Harvard’s legal defense. He also urged the public to acknowledge that while criticisms may contain distortions, some underlying concerns deserve attention. Last year, Garber commissioned reports on antisemitism and anti-Arab prejudice on campus.

The Trump administration justifies its actions as protecting American students and faculty from antisemitic harassment, pointing to campus protests against Israel. Harvard students have staged protests demanding divestment from companies supporting Israel's military actions in Gaza. Last year, many graduates walked out of commencement chanting “Free, free Palestine,” and Harvard initially withheld diplomas from some protesters before eventually releasing most of them.

This year, anti-war protests have largely quieted, but a silent vigil is planned before the ceremony. Harvard alumnus Victor Wallis condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza in a statement, expressing horror at the destruction and loss of life inflicted on Palestinians, including attacks on hospitals, educational institutions, cultural sites, and journalists.