Donald Trump’s Call for a 15% Cap on Foreign Students at Harvard
US President Donald Trump has publicly called for Harvard University—and by extension, other American higher education institutions—to cap the admission of foreign students at 15%. This proposal is part of a broader set of criticisms and policy actions targeting elite universities and their handling of admissions, campus culture, and international student populations.
Trump described international students as potential “troublemakers,” linking them to campus unrest and even suggesting they pose security risks, referencing incidents such as riots and threats to public safety.
He argued that the current proportion of foreign students at Harvard, which he variously cited as between 27% and 31% (though university statistics indicate it is closer to 25–27%), is too high and limits opportunities for American students.
Trump claimed, “We have people who want to go to Harvard and other schools; they can’t get in because we have foreign students there. But I want to make sure that the foreign students are people who can love our country”.
He suggested that Harvard should be compelled to disclose the list of its international students and scrutinize their backgrounds, especially those from countries he characterized as “radicalized”.
Trump linked his proposal to broader criticisms of Harvard, accusing the university of antisemitism, disrespect toward the US, and failing to address campus extremism.
He also advocated redirecting federal funding from elite universities like Harvard to vocational and trade schools, arguing this would better serve American interests.
The Trump administration recently froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard and attempted to revoke its ability to enroll international students, actions that were temporarily blocked by a federal judge.
The State Department has also suspended interviews for foreign student visa applicants and increased scrutiny of social media activity among applicants.
These moves are part of a broader crackdown on higher education institutions, particularly those perceived as insufficiently addressing antisemitism or promoting left-wing ideologies.
Harvard has resisted government pressure to change its admissions policies or reduce its international student population, contesting federal actions in court and defending its autonomy.
Critics argue that capping international students would undermine the university’s global reputation, diversity, and academic excellence, while supporters of the cap claim it would increase access for American students.
| Claim by Trump | Harvard’s Actual Data (2025) |
|---|---|
| Foreign students: 31% | 25–27% |
| Proposed cap: 15% | N/A (current: 25–27%) |
President Trump’s proposal to cap foreign student enrollment at Harvard at 15% is part of a larger campaign targeting elite universities for their admissions practices and campus climate. The move is framed as a way to “make Harvard great again” by prioritizing American students and addressing perceived security and cultural issues, but it has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges from the university and its supporters.
