On May 23, Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in Boston federal court, challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to revoke its certification to enroll international students. The university called the action a “blatant violation” of the Constitution and federal law, warning of “immediate and irreparable harm” to its academic mission.

The move could affect more than 7,000 students and has forced Harvard to retract admissions for thousands just days before graduation.

Trump White House Doubles Down on Ideological Clash

The revocation follows a series of punitive actions against Harvard amid allegations it tolerated antisemitism and failed to comply with federal demands to suppress pro-Palestine protests. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the university “fosters violence and coordinates with the Chinese Communist Party.”

A White House spokesperson dismissed the lawsuit, stating, “If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus.”

Academic Independence vs. Federal Retaliation

Harvard President Alan Garber responded by condemning the ban as retaliation for the university’s “refusal to surrender” its academic autonomy. He accused the administration of attempting to take “illegal control” of Harvard’s curriculum and community, asserting that “without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”

Harvard is requesting a federal injunction to restore its ability to enroll foreign students for the 2025–26 academic year.