President Trump has issued a sweeping proclamation blocking new foreign students from attending Harvard University, citing national security concerns and the institution’s failure to comply with federal regulations.

At a Glance

• Trump’s proclamation suspends entry of foreign nationals seeking to study at Harvard University
• The order cites Harvard’s non-compliance with federal regulations for foreign students
• Harvard allegedly refused to provide information on foreign student misconduct to DHS
• The university’s financial ties with foreign governments, particularly China, raise security concerns
• Current foreign students at Harvard may have their visas reviewed for potential revocation

National Security Concerns Drive Presidential Action

The White House has taken unprecedented action against one of America’s most prestigious universities. According to the presidential proclamation, Harvard University poses significant national security risks through its handling of foreign students and connections with adversarial nations.

The FBI has warned that foreign adversaries actively exploit U.S. higher education institutions for espionage and other improper purposes, making compliance with federal regulations crucial for national security. Harvard’s alleged refusal to cooperate with Department of Homeland Security requests for information on foreign students involved in illegal activities has prompted this dramatic response.

The proclamation emphasizes that admission to American educational institutions is a privilege, not a right, and is contingent on compliance with federal law. Harvard’s failure to meet these obligations, particularly regarding the Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP), has triggered this extraordinary measure. The university has reportedly refused to disclose disciplinary information about foreign students, potentially concealing serious misconduct that could threaten public safety and national security interests.

United States President Donald Trump issued a proclamation Wednesday evening barring foreign students from entering the United States to attend Harvard, citing national security concerns and accusing the University of failing to comply with federal agencies.

The order, effective… pic.twitter.com/b8XguFh6MR

— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) June 5, 2025

Foreign Influence and Financial Ties

A major concern highlighted in the proclamation is Harvard’s extensive financial connections with foreign governments, particularly China. The document states that Harvard has received substantial funding from foreign entities, creating potential conflicts of interest and opportunities for undue influence. More troubling are allegations that the university has engaged in activities that could aid China’s military modernization efforts, raising serious questions about whether foreign adversaries have gained access to sensitive research and technology through academic partnerships.

The presidential order notes that crime rates, including violent crimes, have increased at Harvard, while the university has failed to adequately discipline misconduct. This combination of security vulnerabilities, foreign financial entanglements, and inadequate disciplinary oversight creates what the administration characterizes as a perfect storm of national security risks that necessitated immediate action to protect American interests and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

🚨NEW: Trump Slams Harvard AGAIN; Foreign Visas Frozen Until “Woke U” Cleans House

Harvard’s days of cashing China’s checks while stone-walling DHS are over.

In a late-night proclamation, President Trump declared the Ivy giant a national-security risk and suspended new F, M,… pic.twitter.com/SoSWxRDmcr

— Walter Curt (@WCdispatch_) June 5, 2025

Visa Restrictions and Implementation

The proclamation specifically restricts the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University. The restrictions are authorized under sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the president broad authority to suspend entry of aliens when deemed detrimental to U.S. interests. The suspension applies to new students and exchange visitors at Harvard, affecting several visa categories including F, J, and M visas.

Current foreign students at Harvard face uncertainty as the proclamation indicates their visas may be reviewed for potential revocation. The order requires coordination among multiple federal agencies to implement these restrictions effectively, including the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice. The proclamation contains certain exceptions to ensure legitimate educational pursuits can continue under regulated circumstances, though the specific criteria for these exceptions remain somewhat unclear.

Admissions Discrimination Allegations

Beyond security concerns, the proclamation references Harvard’s alleged discriminatory practices in admissions. The university has faced federal investigations for civil rights violations in its admissions processes, with accusations that its policies disadvantage certain applicant groups. These allegations call into question Harvard’s commitment to equal treatment of all students, according to the proclamation, and represent another area where the institution has failed to uphold federal standards.

The order specifically notes that Harvard has been subject to federal scrutiny regarding its admissions practices, suggesting these issues form part of a pattern of institutional disregard for federal requirements. While discrimination in admissions may seem separate from national security concerns, the proclamation presents these issues as interconnected examples of Harvard’s failure to comply with federal law and uphold national values and interests.