WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Harvard University on Monday, threatening to redirect the school’s $3 billion in federal grant funding to trade schools across the country. The move comes amid ongoing tensions over campus antisemitism, foreign student policies, and national security concerns.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:
“I am 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!!!”
Demand for Foreign Student Data
In a follow-up message, Trump criticized Harvard for allegedly delaying the release of information on its international student body.
“We are still waiting for the Foreign Student Lists from Harvard so that we can determine… how many radicalised lunatics, troublemakers all, should not be let back into our Country,” he wrote.
“Harvard is very slow in the presentation of these documents, and probably for good reason!”
He also took aim at a federal judge who blocked efforts to limit Harvard’s enrollment of international students, warning, “Have no fear, the Government will, in the end, WIN!”
Federal Judge Blocks Student Ban
Trump’s comments follow a recent legal battle over international student visas. Last week, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a ruling halting the administration’s attempt to cut off Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students, pending ongoing litigation.
In its lawsuit filed in federal court in Boston, Harvard claimed the administration’s actions violate the First Amendment and would have devastating consequences.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body—international students who contribute significantly to the university and its mission,” the university argued.
“Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”
Harvard currently enrolls approximately 6,800 international students from over 100 countries, the majority of whom are in graduate programs.
DHS Raises National Security and Antisemitism Allegations
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Kristi Noem, has accused Harvard of fostering an unsafe campus environment by tolerating what it described as “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” allegedly targeting Jewish students. DHS also claimed that Harvard has had past connections with the Chinese Communist Party, including the alleged training of Chinese paramilitary personnel as recently as 2024.
The federal investigation began with a letter from Secretary Noem on April 16, demanding that Harvard turn over records of foreign students who may have participated in violent protests or actions deemed threats to national security.
Trump’s Push for Trade Schools
By threatening to divert Harvard’s federal funding, Trump is reinforcing his long-standing support for vocational education. He framed trade schools as a more practical and patriotic alternative to elite institutions he accuses of failing the nation.
“What a great investment that would be for the USA,” Trump posted.
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By Navneet Chakor
Published on May 27, 2025
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