The Wall Street Journal editorial board ripped the Trump administration on Friday for trying to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, calling it “the opposite of making America great.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump and his administration have cracked down on Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Columbia University since Trump took office in January.
The White House has accused the Ivy League universities of allowing antisemitism on campus grounds amid student demonstrations protesting Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Among other things, the Trump administration initially withheld $400 million in federal funding from Columbia—the epicenter of student protests last year—and said it would not release the funds unless the school changed its policies.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also terminated nearly $3 million in grants for Harvard after the university defied a list of demands that included discontinuing its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, reforming student discipline policies and implementing a mask ban.
What To Know
In its article Friday, the Journal‘s editorial board called out Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, for pulling the certification for Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows the university to enroll international students.
“Even if it’s modified, Ms. Noem’s order will echo around the world as a signal that the U.S. is no longer open to educate the world’s brightest young people,” the board said.
The United States has a competitive edge, the board added, because of the “ability to attract the world’s best and brightest.”
“Foreign students will get the message and take their talents elsewhere. China’s politburo must be laughing at their good luck that their main adversary is hamstringing itself—first with tariffs that make its firms less competitive, and now with an assault on immigrant talent,” the board said.
The Journal‘s board was referring to the sweeping tariffs the Trump administration levied against Canada, Mexico, China and almost every other U.S. trading partner last month. Trump later rolled back majority of the tariffs after global markets went into a tailspin and then announced a 90-day pause on most of the duties.
Most higher education universities in the nation need “a jolt to return to its mission of educating open minds,” the board said.
“But that requires reform,” it added. “The Trump Administration seems to think it needs to destroy Harvard to save it. This is the opposite of making America great.”
What People Are Saying
In an emailed response to Newsweek on Friday, Harvard sent President Alan Garber’s updated message about the court granting the university’s motion against the Trump administration saying in part: “The court has granted Harvard’s motion, allowing the University to continue enrolling international students and scholars as the case proceeds. A hearing has been set for next Thursday, May 29, to determine whether the temporary order should be extended.
“This is a critical step to protect the rights and opportunities of our international students and scholars, who are vital to the University’s mission and community. Many among us are likely to have additional concerns and questions. Important updates and guidance will continue to be provided by the Harvard International Office as they become available.”
Democratic Senator Chirs Murphy of Connecticut on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: “When Trump and Noem say that they are cutting off visas for Harvard students because of ‘DEI’ concerns, they mean that Harvard admits non white males and has non white male faculty. DEI is just now code for white male supremacy.”
Republican Representative Elise Stefanik of New York on X on Thursday: “Harvard neglected its responsibility to protect American students and national security, and now President @realdonaldtrump is rightfully stepping in to hold them accountable. This bold action is a necessary step to restore order, safety, and academic excellence at Harvard.”
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