• Source:JND
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The Trump administration has launched a formal investigation into Harvard University’s continued eligibility to sponsor international students under the US Exchange Visitor Program, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday. The probe, which marks a sharp escalation in the administration’s scrutiny of elite educational institutions, comes amid broader efforts to reshape US immigration and foreign student policies.

In his statement, Rubio said, “The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation’s interests.” Although he did not elaborate on specific allegations, he stressed that all participating sponsors must strictly comply with federal exchange visitor regulations. “Sponsors must demonstrate a commitment to cultural exchange, transparency, and national security,” he added.

Rubio emphasized the need for full adherence to regulations, stating, “To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine the foreign policy objectives or compromise the national security interests of the United States.”

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Mounting Pressure On Harvard 

The announcement follows mounting legal and political pressure on Harvard and other Ivy League institutions. Earlier this month, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued subpoenas to Harvard demanding records related to foreign students. Additionally, President Trump has publicly threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, accusing the university of political and ideological bias.

"The American people have the right to expect their universities to uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe environments for all students," Rubio asserted.

This federal action against Harvard echoes earlier moves against Columbia University, which recently agreed to several White House demands, including banning face coverings during protests and reviewing admissions processes, in order to preserve USD 400 million in federal funding. Despite these concessions, the US Department of Education has since threatened to strip Columbia of its accreditation.

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The conflict has spilled into the courts. On Monday, US District Judge Allison Burroughs, an Obama appointee, heard arguments in the case. Trump wasted no time attacking her on social media. “She is a TOTAL DISASTER… an automatic ‘loss’ for the People of our Country!” he posted on Truth Social.