In a stunning move, the U.S. government under President Trump has targeted Harvard University, a symbol of American academic excellence, by banning it from enrolling foreign students for 2025–26 — a step with global consequences.

Action Against Harvard

• Visa Ban Announcement: The Trump administration has barred Harvard from enrolling international students for the 2025–26 academic year.
• Student Impact: The decision affects 6,800 foreign students, including over 750 Indians (constituting 27% of international enrolment).
• Forced Exit: Existing students must leave or transfer, and new international enrolments are disallowed for the year.
• Official Justification: The government claims student visas are a “privilege” and accuses Harvard of exploiting them to grow its $55+ billion endowment.

Pattern of Harassment and Weaponisation

• Institutional Harassment: The move follows investigations, grant freezes, and demands for internal records — a pattern of institutional targeting.
• Coercive Tools: The visa programme and tax-exempt status are being used as leverage against Harvard.
• Authoritarian Strategy: This reflects a classic authoritarian playbook — identify an “enemy”, build grievances, and initiate systematic attacks.

Symbolic Attack on Liberalism and Globalisation

• Ideological Target: Harvard embodies liberal values, global exchange, and leadership training, making it a cultural opponent in Trump’s narrative.
• Populist Appeal: Affirmative action and perceptions of elitism have positioned Harvard as a symbol for rallying working- and middle-class support.
• Historical Baggage: While Harvard has a controversial past (e.g., Salem witch trials, Enron ties), it remains a global academic leader.

Legal Response and Fallout

• Legal Resistance: Harvard plans to pursue legal action, as it did earlier during funding disputes.
• Reputational Fallout: Even if courts stay the ban, the damage to Harvard’s reputation and the U.S. academic image is already significant.
• Democratic Erosion: The episode undermines U.S. democratic principles, university autonomy, and America’s educational soft power globally.

Conclusion

This move marks a major shift in the U.S.’s attitude toward its own institutions. The long-term damage to America’s image as a hub for free thought, diversity, and education may outlast any court ruling.

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