The Trump-Harvard Showdown of 2025: The Great Visa Squabble
Rogoff expresses doubt on identifying anything that would deter Trump - Rogoff states he can't fathom what Trump could prevent, referring to potential actions by the former U.S. President.
In the Spotlight: Donald Trump, Harvard University, the USA
Casting the Shadows: Kenneth Rogoff, National Security Conundrums
The year is 2025, and Harvard's hallowed halls are bracing for a heated clash with the Oval Office. The protagonist in this drama? An old foe turned unexpected adversary — none other than President Donald Trump.
Grandmaster of Dispute: Donald Trump vs. Harvard University
Since January 2025, Donald Trump's administration has been playing an intricate game of chess with Harvard University. Accusing the prestigious institution of perpetuating antisemitism and holding dubious foreign ties, the administration has gone to great lengths to pit its power against Harvard[1][2][3].
The Battle Plan: Presidential Proclamations and Student Visas
One of the most decisive moves in this political chess game was a Presidential Proclamation issued in June 2025. Restricting the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard, it effectively banned new student visas (F, M, or J category) and considered revoking existing visas for current students under certain conditions[2][3]. The administration's justification: national security. The claims were that Harvard, once a trusted steward of international students, had proven itself unworthy of such responsibility[3].
Whispers of a Detente:
Despite the harsh stance, by late June 2025, a glimmer of hope began to emerge. Trump hinted at the possibility of a "historic deal" with Harvard that could end this conflict. His words were positively glowing, describing this potential settlement as potentially "mindbogglingly historic and very good for our Country"[1]. If this deal does materialize, it could be a monumental turning point in the longstanding feud.
Where's Kenneth Rogoff?In the midst of this chaos, a notable figure seems curiously absent — Harvard's own Kenneth Rogoff. Search records revealed no direct link between Rogoff and Trump or Harvard in the context of this conflict[1][2][3].
In the end, 2025 bears witness to an unprecedented showdown between Donald Trump and Harvard University, as the fate of foreign students hangs in the balance. And as the pieces continue to move on the political chessboard, only time will tell if a resolution is on the horizon.
[1] CNN Politics. (2025). Trump's renewed attacks on Harvard and other elite colleges. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/23/politics/harvard-college-attacks-trump/index.html
[2] The Washington Post. (2025). Trump signs order targeting Harvard and other universities. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/06/16/trump-signs-order-harvard-other-universities-under-scrutiny-foreign-participation/
[3] The New York Times. (2025). Opinion: The Trump administration's assault on Harvard university. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/23/opinion/trump-harvard-university.html
- The policy-and-legislation battle between Donald Trump and Harvard University in 2025, centered around the visa restrictions and national security concerns, is making headlines in the general news.
- Despite being a faculty member at Harvard, Kenneth Rogoff has kept a low profile in the ongoing politically charged policy-and-legislation disagreement between Trump and his alma mater, leaving many questioning his role in this standoff.
