President Donald J. Trump has enacted a significant new policy by signing a bombshell proclamation that bars foreign students from entering the United States to commence studies at Harvard University. This sweeping measure, signed today, cites grave concerns regarding national security, the spread of radicalism, and the potential for foreign interference. The proclamation specifically suspends the entry of any new Harvard student holding an F, M, or J visa, effectively banning foreign nationals from initiating their academic programs or participating in exchange initiatives at the renowned Ivy League institution.

The implications of this directive are far-reaching. Beyond new students, the proclamation also empowers the Secretary of State to consider the revocation of existing F, M, or J visas held by current Harvard students, based on specific criteria outlined within the order. While the general wording of the document suggests that students from various nations, including potentially British students, will be affected, it is explicitly stated that the ban does not extend to students enrolled at other universities across the United States. Furthermore, provisions for exemptions remain in place for individuals whose entry is deemed to be in the U.S. national interest.

The White House issued a forceful condemnation of Harvard University, underpinning the rationale for the new visa restrictions. In a sharp rebuke, the administration accused Harvard of having a “demonstrated history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism.” This criticism aligns with warnings from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suggesting that foreign adversaries actively exploit American academic institutions as venues for intellectual property theft, dissemination of propaganda, and activities that compromise national security interests.

Delving into specific allegations, the administration claimed Harvard University has failed to adequately discipline certain categories of campus conduct violations. Officials also pointed to what they termed a “drastic rise in crime” on campus and accused the university of providing “deficient data” concerning foreign students who may be engaged in illegal or dangerous activities. The proclamation critically noted, “Harvard is either not fully reporting its disciplinary records for foreign students or is not seriously policing its foreign students.”

Harvard University’s financial relationships with foreign governments, particularly China, have also come under intense scrutiny as part of the justification for the ban. Reports indicate that Harvard has received substantial funding, reportedly more than $150 million, from Chinese sources. Allegations include the university hosting individuals identified as Chinese Communist Party paramilitary members and engaging in research partnerships with Chinese researchers on projects that could potentially contribute to China’s military modernization. The document even referenced the attendance of Xi Jinping’s daughter at Harvard in the early 2010s, controversially labeling the institution the top “party school” outside China.

The White House further criticized Harvard’s management of on-campus issues, citing growing unrest and specifically slamming the university's handling of violent anti-Semitic incidents, claiming that “many of these agitators” were foreign students. The administration also took issue with Harvard's continued application of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in its admissions processes. The document stated that the school prioritizes certain groups at the expense of “hardworking Americans.” The overarching conclusion drawn by the White House is that Harvard is “no longer a trustworthy steward” of the international student and exchange visitor program.

In personal remarks accompanying the announcement, President Trump clarified that the ban is not intended as a wholesale rejection of all international students. “The students? Well, we want to have great students here. We just don’t want students that are causing trouble,” he stated. He elaborated, “We want to have students. I want to have foreign students.” President Trump also expressed a concern that some qualified American citizens might be denied places at institutions like Harvard due to the presence of foreign students, emphasizing, “But I want to make sure that the foreign students are people that can love our country.”

President Trump also issued a final, stern warning to Harvard University regarding the provision of “Foreign Student Lists.” He indicated that the administration is awaiting these lists to enable a determination of “how many radicalized lunatics, troublemakers all, should not be let back into our Country,” especially after what he termed “a ridiculous expenditure of BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.” Trump criticized Harvard for its perceived slowness in the presentation of these documents, suggesting it was “probably for good reason!”

The proclamation is widely expected to trigger significant backlash from Harvard University itself, as well as from various civil liberties groups who may challenge its legality and implications. Despite this anticipated opposition, the Trump White House insists that the measure is a crucial and necessary step to protect the American people from perceived security threats emanating from within the nation’s own esteemed academic institutions.