President Donald Trump met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House, amidst ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University. The administration has threatened to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students, citing concerns over campus antisemitism and discrimination against Jewish students. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem conveyed this warning in a letter, asserting that Harvard's certification to accept foreign students hinges on compliance with federal immigration regulations.
Noem claimed that Harvard has fostered a hostile environment for Jewish students due to its alleged failure to address antisemitism. As part of this escalation, the Department of Homeland Security announced the cancellation of two grants totaling $2.7 million to Harvard, labeling the institution "unfit" for federal funding. The university, which has a significant portion of its student body comprised of international students—over 27% as of fall 2023—has been given a deadline of April 30 to respond to queries regarding its compliance with federal regulations.
The Trump administration's actions are part of a broader strategy aimed at demanding accountability from elite educational institutions. While some universities, such as Columbia, have agreed to negotiate over funding conditions, Harvard has resisted the administration's demands, including the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Harvard President Alan Garber criticized the administration's approach, suggesting it aimed to exert direct control over the university's intellectual environment. A spokesperson for Harvard reaffirmed the institution's commitment to independence and constitutional rights, indicating it would continue to comply with legal standards while expecting the administration to do the same. The situation reflects ongoing debates about academic freedom, federal funding, and institutional responsibility in the context of rising antisemitism on campuses.