The Trump administration has issued a stern warning to Harvard University, threatening to ban the institution from enrolling foreign students — a move that could impact over 27% of its current student population.

The dispute comes after Harvard refused to comply with a series of demands from the U.S. government aimed at reforming hiring, admissions, and teaching practices, which the administration claims are necessary to combat antisemitism on campus.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the Ivy League university of “threatening national security” and “bending the knee to antisemitism.” She further demanded detailed records of foreign student visa holders, alleging links to “illegal and violent” activities — though no evidence has yet been made public.

Harvard President Alan Garber responded firmly, stating that the university “will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”

The financial stakes are high. Authorities have frozen $2.2 billion in federal funds, and President Donald Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard’s valuable tax exemption — a move that could cost the university millions annually.

Posting on his Social platform, Trump called Harvard “a joke,” accusing it of teaching “hate and stupidity,” and stated it no longer deserves federal support.

Harvard is not alone. The administration’s antisemitism task force is currently reviewing at least 60 universities across the U.S., particularly those that have seen pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Earlier this year, Columbia University agreed to several federal demands after losing $400 million in funding. The university replaced key academic leadership and promised an admissions review to ensure neutrality.

Harvard too has made some concessions — including dismissing the leaders of its Center for Middle Eastern Studies following criticism over their failure to represent Israeli perspectives.

However, the university has yet to respond publicly to Secretary Noem’s latest demands.

As the standoff intensifies, the future of foreign student education and academic freedom at top U.S. universities remains uncertain.