Trump suggests potential agreement with Harvard; judge rules DHS lacks authority to obstruct foreign student hosting by Harvard
President Trump's feud with Harvard University isn't going away anytime soon. In a recent development, Trump hinted at a potential deal that could resolve his ongoing battles with the prestigious Ivy League institution within days. Last Friday, federal judge Allison Burroughs issued a preliminary injunction, barring the administration from yanking Harvard's access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) [1].
Minutes following the ruling, Trump took to Truth Social, stating, "Working closely with Harvard. Possible Deal announcement coming within the next week or so. They've been extremely cooperative during these negotiations and appear committed to doing what's right. If a Settlement is finalized based on current discussions, it will be 'mindbogglingly' historic and good for our Country." Alas, further details regarding the settlement talks are scarce [2].
The judge's injunction prohibits the government from snatching Harvard's authorization to tap into SEVIS, a federal database that boats student visa applications. Burroughs' previous ruling, a temporary restraining order, had already blocked the policy [3].
Harvard, one of the top universities hosting international students, could face severe repercussions if Trump succeeds in limiting foreign enrollment. Almost a quarter of Harvard's student body hails from outside the United States [4]. Trump suggested in a past outburst that Harvard should cap foreign student enrollment at 15%, and share more government-friendly data with the administration [5].
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed disagreement with Burroughs’ ruling, stating it clashes with the President's powers determined by Article II and federal law. She maintained that universities don't have inherent rights to enroll foreign students, but merely privileges subject to government control [1].
Trump issued another order earlier this month, restricting most international students from studying at Harvard. Burroughs blocked this move two weeks ago; her ruling on Friday, however, didn't address Trump's order [1]. Harvard voiced its satisfaction post-ruling, "The Court order allows Harvard to continue enrolling international students and scholars while the case moves forward. Harvard will continue to defend its rights-and the rights of its students and scholars."
The conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration goes beyond international students. In April, the administration demanded significant changes from the university, including external audits of some academic departments and an end to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs [5]. When the school refused, the government threatened to cut off billions of dollars in grants. Similar pressures have also been experienced by other universities [5].
Joe Walsh is our News' senior editor for digital politics, with a background covering breaking news for Forbes and local news in Boston.
Enrichment Data:
- Since the dispute occurred in late June 2025, a settlement between the Trump administration and Harvard University may be imminent [1][3][4][5].
- Trump publicly praised Harvard for being cooperative during negotiations, with the potential agreement being "mindbogglingly historic" [2].
- The Department of Homeland Security initially revoked Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, citing alleged antisemitism on campus as grounds for its action [1].
- Harvard countered by claiming the administration was retaliating politically for resisting its demands [1].
- The ongoing dispute between Harvard University and President Trump could lead to a significant policy and legislation shift in education and self-development, as a settlement within the next week or so might be on the horizon.
- The conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration extends beyond international students, as the administration has also demanded changes in academic departments and the termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which may impact the general news and learning landscape.
- In the realm of politics, Joe Walsh, senior editor for digital politics at our News, has closely followed the breaking news of Trump's feud with Harvard, providing insights into this general-news event and its potential implications for policy and legislation.
- The judge's preliminary injunction may have temporarily held off the administration's attempts to limit foreign enrollment at Harvard and other universities, but the future of education for international students remains uncertain as the negotiations continue.
