Trump ups ante on Harvard, proposes redirecting $3 billion grant to trade schools; calls it ‘great investment for USA’

US President Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on Harvard University, threatening to redirect billions in federal funding to trade schools, while accusing the Ivy League institution of harboring antisemitism and shielding radicalized foreign students.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he is “considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land.”

“What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!” he added, emphasising his push for skilled trades and vocational education.

Accuses Harvard of delaying foreign student data

In a follow-up post, Trump criticised Harvard for allegedly withholding information about its international student population.

“We are still waiting for the Foreign Student Lists from Harvard so that we can determine, after a ridiculous expenditure of BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, how many radicalized lunatics, troublemakers all, should not be let back into our Country,” Trump wrote.

He continued: “Harvard is very slow in the presentation of these documents, and probably for good reason!”

Claims of judicial favoritism

Trump further claimed that Harvard had “shopped around and found the absolute best Judge (for them!)” amid ongoing legal scrutiny, though he did not provide details about any specific legal proceedings.

“But have no fear,” he concluded, “the Government will, in the end, WIN!”

Trump demands Harvard disclose foreign student details

President Donald Trump continued his criticism of Harvard University, pressing for transparency on foreign student enrollment.

In a post on Truth Social on May 25, Trump highlighted concerns over Harvard’s international student population, stating: “Why isn’t Harvard saying that almost 31% of their students are from FOREIGN LANDS, and yet those countries, some not at all friendly to the United States, pay NOTHING toward their student’s education, nor do they ever intend to.”

Trump insisted the government has a right to know who these foreign students are, adding: “Nobody told us that! We want to know who those foreign students are, a reasonable request since we give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, but Harvard isn’t exactly forthcoming. We want those names and countries.”

Urges Harvard to use existing funds instead of seeking more

Trump also criticised Harvard’s funding requests, saying: “Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue GRANTING money to you!”

Trump slams Harvard over foreign student intake

President Donald Trump on Sunday criticised Harvard University for admitting what he called an “excessive” number of foreign students. “Part of the problem with Harvard is that there are about 31 percent of foreigners coming to Harvard,” he said. “We give them billions of dollars, which is ridiculous.”

“Americans can’t get in”

Trump argued that foreign student density denies Americans access to top education. “It shouldn’t be 31 percent. It’s too much because we have Americans that want to go there,” he stated.

Anti-Semitism accusation

Trump also accused Harvard of harboring anti-Semitic views. “Everybody knows they’re anti-Semitic. And that’s got to stop immediately,” he said. The administration is demanding the university reform its policies and programs.

Legal battle over enrollment ban

The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, revoked Harvard’s authority to admit foreign students on May 23, citing national security risks and visa violations. The move affects nearly 6,800 students. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the ban after Harvard sued, calling the action “arbitrary and unconstitutional.”

Global fallout and backlash

International personalities, including China and Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth, have raised concerns. Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned the crackdown “does lasting damage,” while ex-Harvard president Larry Summers called it “the most serious attack in the university’s history.”

Wider push against elite campuses

The crackdown is part of a larger Trump effort to curtail campus activism, particularly pro-Palestinian protests, and roll back DEI initiatives.