Fact Check: Harvard's foreign enrollment could be capped at 15% under Trump’s pressure.

Fact Check: "Harvard's foreign enrollment could be capped at 15% under Trump’s pressure."

What We Know

In recent statements, former President Donald Trump suggested that Harvard University should limit its foreign student enrollment to around 15%, a significant reduction from the current levels. During a news conference, he stated, "I think they should have a cap of maybe around 15%, not 31%" (Forbes). This comment came amid broader discussions about the percentage of international students at Harvard, which Trump claimed was 31%, while actual data from Harvard indicated that international students made up approximately 27.3% of the student body for the 2024-25 academic year (Reuters).

The Trump administration had previously issued a proclamation that suspended the entry of new foreign students at Harvard under certain visa categories, citing national security concerns (White House). This proclamation also directed the Secretary of State to consider revoking existing visas for current students who met specific criteria.

Analysis

Trump's suggestion for a 15% cap on foreign students at Harvard reflects his administration's ongoing scrutiny of international student enrollment. His comments were made in the context of concerns about national security and the perceived impact of foreign students on domestic opportunities for American students. However, the accuracy of his claim regarding the percentage of foreign students at Harvard is questionable, as the university's own data indicates a lower figure than what Trump cited (Forbes).

The reliability of the sources discussing Trump's comments varies. The White House fact sheet provides official information regarding the administration's policies, but it is important to note that it may reflect a biased viewpoint favoring the administration's stance on immigration and foreign students. On the other hand, reports from established news organizations like Reuters and Forbes offer a more balanced view by providing context and data that challenge Trump's assertions.

Moreover, Trump's remarks about foreign students being "troublemakers" and the need for Harvard to provide lists of its international students raise concerns about the implications of such a cap. Critics argue that this approach could lead to discrimination and a chilling effect on the diversity of the student body at elite institutions (CBS News).

Conclusion

The claim that Harvard's foreign enrollment could be capped at 15% under Trump's pressure is True. Trump's public statements indicate a clear desire to impose such a cap, reflecting his administration's broader immigration policies aimed at reducing the number of international students in U.S. universities. While the actual percentage of foreign students at Harvard is lower than what Trump claimed, his call for a cap aligns with his administration's actions and rhetoric regarding foreign student enrollment.

Fact Check: Harvard's foreign enrollment could be capped at 15% under Trump’s pressure.