Trump delivers threat against Harvard: "I'll give them a good shaking up"
Trump Ratchets Up Pressure on Harvard, Threatens "Kick in the Butt"
In the ongoing debate over Gaza protests at US elite universities, President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism against Harvard. The university, already grappling with billions in lost federal funds and a legal battle to preserve the right to admit foreign students, faces continued pressure from the White House.
Trump expressed his displeasure towards Harvard, stating, "Harvard needs to behave." He accused the university of showing "great disrespect" and increasing isolation, emphasizing that he wants Harvard to "be great again." However, Trump asserted that the university is seeking confrontation instead, hoping to prove its intellectual prowess. He cautioned, "They're going to get a kick in the butt."
Politics: Trump Alleges "Very Anti-Semitic" University
The Trump administration has targeted several universities it deems to have a left-liberal bias, aiming to halt diversity programs. The administration's actions are primarily based on pro-Palestinian protests at US universities and the allegation of tolerating anti-Semitic incidents on campus. Critics contend that the government is using protests as a pretext to attack politically inconvenient institutions.
Unlike other universities, Harvard has resisted the far-reaching demands of the US government. As a result, Trump's administration has slashed the university's funding by billions and seeks to prevent it from admitting international students in Massachusetts. A court is currently adjudicating the case.
Visa Issues for Foreign Students: New Guidelines Imminent
Previously, the US Department of State halted admission procedures for all foreign students. Embassies and consulates worldwide were instructed not to schedule new appointments for visa applications, according to reports from Politico and CNN, citing an internal memo.
The proposed measure aims to expand the review of social media activities of visa applicants, an action that previously targeted students already enrolled at US universities who may have participated in pro-Palestinian protests.
Source: ntv.de, mau/dpa
- Donald Trump
- Elite University
- Protests
- Visas
- Anti-Semitism
Enrichment Data:
Legal and administrative actions are ongoing in relation to Donald Trump's pressure on Harvard regarding foreign student visas and accusations of anti-Semitism. Key developments include:
- A federal judge has upheld a court order preventing the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to sponsor international student visas, maintaining the status quo while the case continues.
- The Trump administration's accusations of violence, anti-Semitism, and collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party are cited as potential reasons for revoking Harvard's Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.
- The Trump administration has frozen over $3 billion in federal funding to Harvard and plans to cancel remaining contracts worth approximately $100 million. There is also interest in revoking the university's tax-exempt status.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement to aggressively revoke visas for some Chinese students has added to the tension, affecting the international student community at Harvard.
- Harvard's international students make up more than a quarter of its student body and play significant roles in academic research and cultural exchanges. Potential removal of international students could weaken Harvard's international reputation and influence, impacting its academic and cultural contributions.
The European Union, in parallel with the ongoing controversy surrounding Gaza protests at US elite universities, might express concern over the Trump administration's aggressive policies towards Harvard, given the commitment to a common policy on the environment, education-and-self-development, and general news.
As the Trump administration continues to slash funding for Harvard and alleges anti-Semitic activities, the university may seek further education and self-development opportunities within the European Union, if diplomatic relations permit, due to the implications for visas and potential restrictions on foreign student admission in the US politics landscape.
