Bulwark Takes Trump Tries to Break Harvard: Only American Students Allowed
May 22, 2025
The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to restrict international student admissions at Harvard, spotlighting a political clash over educational policies. With international enrollment rising significantly, the potential financial fallout for the university is considerable. Discussions delve into how these immigration restrictions could impact academic freedom and research quality. Moreover, the podcast examines the strategic miscalculations of the administration and the potential legal battles that may arise, setting the stage for a significant showdown.
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Trump Targets Harvard Control
- The Trump administration seeks control over Harvard's admissions, hiring, curricula, and student data as political leverage.
- They threaten funding and tax-exempt status to enforce compliance, including blocking international students who pay full tuition.
Impact of Blocking International Students
- International students comprise over a quarter of Harvard's enrollment and pay full tuition, supporting financial aid for U.S. students.
- The financial hit of blocking international students would be significant but is manageable given Harvard's endowment.
Harming U.S. Scientific Future
- Restricting international students undermines America's role as a global hub for top scientific and academic talent.
- This harms long-term U.S. scientific progress and innovation by discouraging international scholars.