Latest news with #Trump-Harvard
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Harvard dream' on hold amidst Trump-Harvard row; What happens to Princess Elisabeth's education now?
A future queen, caught in a campus crackdown! Belgium's future queen, Princess Elisabeth, is facing growing uncertainty in her educational aspirations after getting caught in the crossfire of President Donald Trump's escalating showdown with Harvard University. What's happening? Princess Elisabeth, the Duchess of Brabant and heir to the Belgian throne, is facing an unexpected challenge in her academic journey due to escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University. Currently enrolled in a two-year master's program in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School, the 23-year-old royal has just completed her first year at the Ivy League school. However, recent federal actions threaten to disrupt her studies and raise questions about the future of international students at the institution. The Trump-Harvard dispute The conflict between the POTUS and the prestigious Harvard University began when President Donald Trump's administration accused Harvard University of fostering antisemitism, promoting 'woke' ideologies, and favoring minority admissions over white and Asian applicants. In retaliation, the administration announced a freeze on nearly $3 billion in federal research grants and threatened to revoke Harvard's eligibility to host international students. These measures have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for thousands of foreign students, including Princess Elisabeth. In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the actions violated academic freedom and due process. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the ban on international students, providing a temporary reprieve. However, the legal battle is ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain. Impact on Princess Elisabeth's education: As an international student, Princess Elisabeth has been directly affected by these developments. Elisabeth is enrolled at the Cambridge, Mass., university to study public policy in a two-year master's program, which aims to prepare students for a 'successful career in public service.' The Belgian Royal Palace has acknowledged the situation and is closely monitoring the legal proceedings. Lore Vandoorne, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal House, said in a statement, 'Princess Elisabeth has just completed her first year. The impact of [the Trump administration's] decision will only become clearer in the coming days/weeks. We are currently investigating the situation.' The palace's communication director, Xavier Baert, added, 'We are analyzing this at the moment and will let things settle. A lot can still happen in the coming days and weeks.' However, no official statement has been made regarding her future plans in case she loses out on the chance to complete her education at Harvard University. What might happen now? Several scenarios could unfold depending on the resolution of the legal challenges: Restoration of international student status: If the court rules in favor of Harvard, international students, including Princess Elisabeth, would be permitted to continue their studies without interruption. Continued restrictions: Should the administration prevail, Harvard may be forced to comply with federal demands, potentially leading to the expulsion of international students or a reduction in their numbers. Alternative options: In the event of prolonged uncertainty, Princess Elisabeth may consider transferring to another institution or pursuing her studies through online platforms, though such options may not align with her academic and diplomatic goals. Who is Princess Elisabeth? Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, is the heir apparent to the Belgian throne and the eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. Born in October 2001, in Anderlecht, Belgium, the 23-year-old is poised to become the first reigning queen of Belgium, as previous queens have only held the title of consort. Early education: Known as eloquent, compassionate, and unpretentious, Princess Elisabeth has pursued a diverse educational path from early on. She earned her International Baccalaureate from UWC Atlantic College in Wales in 2020. After that, she enrolled at the Royal Military Academy in Belgium, where she completed a year of training in social and military sciences, focusing on geopolitics, communication, international relations, and management. In 2021, Elisabeth began a three-year program in History and Politics at Lincoln College, University of Oxford, graduating in July 2024. Following her undergraduate studies, she commenced a two-year Master's in Public Policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School in the United States. Not only has Princess Elisabeth demonstrated a commitment to national service from a young age, but the young adult's multilingual abilities, too, speak for her dedication to academic excellence. Princess Elisabeth is fluent in Dutch, French, German, and English, which reflects her upbringing in a multilingual environment – something that is going to be one of her key strengths as she prepares for her future leadership role. Trump Targets Harvard, Putting Belgian Princess' Ivy League Dreams In Jeopardy | Royals Break Silence
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Donald Trump's Biographer On Why US President Has A "Grudge" Against Harvard
Washington: US President Donald Trump has intensified his war with Harvard recently, with social media users claiming that his hatred for the Ivy League university comes from his son, Barron Trump, not being accepted. But, the President's biographer, Michael Wolff, has suggested something else. According to him, it was Trump, not Barron, who was rejected by Harvard. Wolff, the author of 'Fire and Fury', 'Siege: Trump under fire', and this year's 'All or nothing', presented his theory about the US President during a podcast with the The Daily Beast. While the host, Joanna Coles, suggested that many people linked to Trump studied at Harvard, Wolff said, "It's important not to lend too much calculation and planning to anything he does." "But the other thing is that, by the way, he didn't get into Harvard. So one of the Trump things is always holding a grudge against the Ivy League," he added. Trump studied at Fordham University in 1964 after four years of attending the New York Military Academy. Two years later, he transferred to the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania - where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics. However, there is no official data available on whether the US President applied to Harvard, let alone he was rejected. No published biographies have also mentioned this claim. A White House spokesperson hit out at Wolff and The Daily Beast for "peddling fake news", adding that Trump did not need to apply to an "overrated and corrupt" university like Harvard. "They both peddle fake news for clickbait in a hopeless attempt to amount to something more than lying losers. The President didn't need to apply to an overrated, corrupt institution like Harvard to become a successful businessman and the most transformative President in history," Taylor Rogers said. 'The Trump show' Wolff, additionally, suggested that apart from "holding the grudge", Trump's "TV star instincts as a producer" play a key role in his legal battle against Ivy League Universities - especially Harvard. According to the author, Trump needs an enemy. "That's what makes the show great, the Trump show. He picks fantastic enemies. And Harvard, for all it represents, fits right into the Trump show. The president loves the drama. He's done what he set out to do - dominate the headline. What do you do? You go after Harvard in a way that is draconian, dramatic, and existential. It's threatening Harvard on that level," he told The Daily Beast. According to him, this becomes another aspect of the "Trump show". Trump-Harvard battle Donald Trump's crackdown on Harvard has taken a more aggressive stance within a few months of the Republican leader taking office for the second term - saying that he is seeking to eliminate antisemitism on campuses. He had even accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of letting some of the Ivy League universities off the hook. Harvard had first fallen prey to the crackdown last month when the White House put a $2.2 billion freeze on federal funding. Trump had put forth a few conditions to revoke the ban on federal funding, but refused to bend the knee. Last week, the administration sent a letter to the university banning the Ivy League's ability to enroll international students amid an ongoing investigation into the university. It also mentioned said that Harvard could still reverse the government's ban and enroll foreign students - if they fulfill Trump's conditions within 72 hours. However, the university refused again. Shortly after receiving the letter, Harvard slammed the Trump administration and called the move "unlawful". Earlier this week, the Trump administration reportedly ordered all its consular missions overseas to begin additional vetting of visa applicants looking to travel to Harvard University for any purpose.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Trump gives Harvard 30 days to reply on foreign student enrolment ban
The Trump administration has given Harvard University 30 days to respond to a notice that could prevent it from enrolling foreign students, according to a report by Reuters. Harvard has said that losing the ability to admit international students would affect around one-fourth of its total student population. A federal judge is expected to review the matter today (May 29) and decide whether to continue blocking the Trump administration's move. Trump suggests cap on international students Speaking at the Oval Office on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said Harvard should limit its intake of non-American students to 15 per cent. "Harvard has got to behave themselves," he said. Meanwhile, Harvard's legal team has argued that the removal of its certification was sudden and did not follow federal procedures. They pointed out that regulations require the department to provide a valid reason, give prior notice, and allow time for the institution to address any concerns. According to Department of Homeland Security rules, the agency was required to allow a 30-day period for responding to its claims and submitting supporting evidence. Trump-Harvard face-off The Trump administration has alleged that Harvard was encouraging antisemitism and violence on its campus, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party. 'Harvard is treating our country with great disrespect, and all they're doing is getting in deeper and deeper,' said Trump. In response, the University's legal team described the actions against it as an "unprecedented and retaliatory attack on academic freedom". Separately, Harvard is also involved in a legal case contesting the Trump administration's decision to withdraw $3 billion in federal research funding. What Trump's Harvard foreign student ban means for Indians Meanwhile, despite facing pressure and threats from the Donald Trump administration, Harvard University went ahead with its 374th commencement ceremony on Thursday, celebrating its graduating students. The keynote address was delivered by physician and author Abraham Verghese.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Trump-Harvard clash heats up. Here's what to know.
Trump-Harvard clash heats up. Here's what to know. The nation's oldest and most prominent university is entering the summer months battered and bruised. Show Caption Hide Caption Harvard says it will fight Trump's foreign student ban The Trump administration's decision to block Harvard University from enrolling foreigners has caused shock and confusion among students. Harvard called the government's move "unlawful" and said it will fight the ban. Bloomberg - Politics WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump's feud with Harvard University has reached a fever pitch – and it's only getting more heated. Days after he attempted to ban the Ivy League school from enrolling international students – a move that a federal judge immediately blocked – the General Services Administration directed all federal agencies on May 27 to explore ways to cut remaining contracts with the university, according to a senior administration official. The order is the latest in a series of direct swipes the White House has taken in recent weeks with the aim of punishing the Harvard community. The feud has escalated on a near-daily basis, halting major research trials, freezing billions of dollars in federal funding and prompting multiple high-stakes lawsuits. Trump's motives for targeting Harvard are complicated. He and members of his administration have roundly criticized the school and its Jewish president for creating a campus environment that the White House has characterized as rife with antisemitism, since protests broke out in response to the Israel-Hamas war. However, the Ivy League institution has long been a punching bag for conservatives, many of whom view it as a ground zero for liberal ideology and activism. More recently, Trump has complained in an increasingly forceful way about Harvard enrolling too many students from other countries. Read more: A new phase begins in Trump's battle with higher education Here's where things stand in Trump's crusade against Harvard. International students scramble Harvard's foreign students spent the final days of their spring semester mired in fear and uncertainty. The Trump administration told them a week ago they'd need to transfer to another institution or risk losing their ability to remain in the United States. The only thing keeping that threat at bay is a federal court order. On May 22, the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard's certification to participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, functionally barring the university from enrolling any international students. The change went into effect immediately, just a week before many foreign students would graduate, leaving them scrambling to determine whether their degrees would be jeopardized. Read more: International college students bring billions to the US. Here's why that may change. Harvard sued the following morning, accusing federal officials of violating multiple laws. Hours after the university filed its lawsuit, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order. The president also ordered Harvard on May 25 to turn over the "names and countries" of every international student enrolled at the university. The federal government already has access to that information through a database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Read more: Trump has been defunding university research. Does China benefit from it? Escalating funding fracas The other major front in the Trump administration's battle with Harvard is over federal funding. Since mid-April, the White House has frozen billions of dollars in federal research grants for the school while characterizing the punitive actions as a response to Trump's concerns about campus antisemitism. Pausing that money has upended the university's research apparatus. Nearly every direct federal grant for Harvard's school of public health was terminated in May, according to the university. Among the dozens of defunded research projects were studies related to cancer screenings and lung disease. The first major threat to Harvard's funding came on March 31, when a task force of multiple federal agencies announced a review of roughly $9 billion in contracts and grants to the school. Harvard's leaders refused to comply with what they saw as a list of unprecedented demands by the task force to overhaul hiring and teaching. In response, the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion of the school's federal funding on April 14. Despite multiple requests, the administration still has not clarified to USA TODAY how that money breaks down. The university filed an initial suit against the White House on April 21 to restore its federal funding. In the weeks since, federal agencies have deemed Harvard ineligible for new federal research grants, yanked an additional $450 million in funding and considered cutting off even more government support for the school. In an interview with NPR on May 27, Harvard's president, Alan Garber, said his university isn't the only one whose scholars' scientific research has been hamstrung. "Everybody benefits from the research work of universities like ours. And it is not only about Harvard," he said. "The kinds of changes that the administration has begun and is contemplating, which include deep cuts to the National Institutes of Health and to the National Science Foundation, will affect all research universities and will have a real impact on the ability of the United States to remain at the forefront of science and technology." Yanking tax-exempt status On May 2, Trump said the Internal Revenue Service was "going to be taking away" Harvard's tax-exempt status. That unprecedented threat has become a major area of concern for the school and a point of contention in one of its lawsuits against the White House. Unless a judge deems the effort unlawful, the university could lose hundreds of millions of dollars, according to some estimates. Typically, there's an apolitical process the IRS follows to strip nonprofits of their tax-exempt status. The executive branch is prohibited, by federal law, from influencing IRS audits and investigations. "There is no legal basis to rescind Harvard's tax-exempt status," Harvard spokesman Jason Newton said in a statement on May 2. 'Such an unprecedented action would endanger our ability to carry out our educational mission." What's next? While many of Harvard's students and faculty are on break this summer, the school's lawyers will still be battling the White House in court. The next major court hearing is set for May 29, when a judge will consider extending her hold on Trump's attempt to ban Harvard from enrolling foreign students. Court proceedings in Harvard's other lawsuit, challenging the funding freezes and review of its tax-exempt status, are scheduled throughout June. The judge in that case is the same. She was appointed by President Barack Obama. Zachary Schermele is an education reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@ Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Latest: Trump pays tribute to fallen soldiers in service at Arlington National Cemetery
President Donald Trump paid tribute to fallen service members during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in an address that honored the 'great, great warriors' yet also briefly veered into politics as he boasted of a nation he's 'fixing after a long and hard four years.' Though the holiday is one U.S. presidents typically treat with pure solemnity, Trump began it with a Memorial Day social media post that attacked his predecessor and called federal judges who've blocked his deportation initiatives 'monsters who want our country to go to hell.' Here's the latest: US envoy to Ukraine says Vatican is out as site for talks on ending Russia-Ukraine war Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, said the Russians don't want to go to the Vatican. 'We would have liked to have it at the Vatican and we were pretty set to do something like that, but the Russians didn't want to go there, to the Vatican, so I think Geneva may be the next stop,' Kellogg said in an interview Tuesday on Fox News Channel. Trump had said last week after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin that the Vatican had expressed interest in hosting the negotiations, though there was no confirmation that any talks had been scheduled. Kellogg also said Russia has yet to deliver a memorandum that Putin said Moscow would work on with Ukraine to draft a framework for a possible future peace treaty. Trump administration moves to cut federal contracts for Harvard The Trump administration is asking federal agencies to cancel remaining contracts with Harvard University, a senior administration official said Tuesday. The government already has canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants for the Ivy League school, which has pushed back on the administration's demands for changes to several of its policies. Cuts to contracts could take away millions more from Harvard's budget. A draft letter from the General Services Administration directs agencies to review contracts with the university and seek alternate vendors. The administration is planning to send a version of the letter Tuesday, the official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations. The New York Times first reported on the letter. — Darlene Superville Trump's Tuesday schedule, according to the White House The president has no public events schedule for Tuesday, according to the White House. Amid Trump-Harvard dispute, Hong Kong seeks to enroll international students Hong Kong's leader John Lee said Tuesday the city would welcome any students who've been discriminated against by the U.S. policy, days after the Trump administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students. Last Friday, a U.S. federal judge blocked the U.S. government from cutting off Harvard's enrollment of foreign students, an action the Ivy League school decried as unconstitutional retaliation for defying the White House's political demands. Lee said in a weekly press briefing that the government and eight of the city's universities will do their best to assist any students who suffered from 'discriminatory and unfair treatment' in finding a way to study in Hong Kong. He said if necessary, he would consider raising the enrollment quotas for non-local students in these universities. Trump targeted Democrats over questionable online fundraising. His campaign has similar issues When Trump directed his attorney general last month to investigate online fundraising, he cited concerns that foreigners and fraudsters were using elaborate 'schemes' and 'dummy accounts' to funnel illegal contributions to politicians and causes. Instead of calling for an expansive probe, however, the president identified just one potential target: ActBlue, the Democrats' online fundraising juggernaut, which has acknowledged receiving over 200 potentially illicit contributions last year from foreign internet addresses. Trump's announcement contained a glaring omission — his political committees also received scores of potentially problematic contributions. An Associated Press review of donations to Trump over the past five years found 1,600 contributions from donors who live abroad, have close ties to foreign interests or failed to disclose basic information, often making it difficult, if not impossible, to identify them and verify the legality of their donations. Among those was $5,000 linked to a derelict building, and $5,000 from a Chinese businessman who listed a La Quinta Inn as his address. Another sizable donation — $1 million — was made by the wife of an African oil and mining magnate. ▶ Read more about the AP's findings Here's what a Texas oil executive from DOGE is doing inside the Interior Department A Texas oil executive from Elon Musk's government efficiency team has been given sweeping powers to overhaul the federal department that manages vast tracts of resource-rich public lands, but he hasn't divested his energy investments or filed an ethics commitment to break ties with companies that pose a conflict of interest, records show. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently directed Tyler Hassen, who lacks Senate confirmation and has no public administration experience, to reorganize the Interior Department, which oversees some 70,000 employees in 11 agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Before joining DOGE, Hassen spent nearly two decades as an executive at Basin Holdings, an enterprise involved in the manufacture, sale and servicing of oil rigs worldwide. A financial disclosure report obtained by AP shows Hassen made millions annually from these companies, owned by John Fitzgibbons — an industry giant who is well-connected in Russia. ▶ Read more about Hassen Major headlines from the weekend Catching up on the news from the holiday weekend? Here are some of the headlines Trump honors fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, while attacking Biden and judges Trump paid tribute to fallen service members during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, in an address that honored the 'great, great warriors' yet also briefly veered into politics as he boasted of a nation he is 'fixing after a long and hard four years.' Though the holiday is one that U.S. presidents typically treat with pure solemnity, Trump began it with an all-caps Memorial Day social media post that attacked his predecessor and called federal judges who have blocked his deportation initiatives 'monsters who want our country to go to hell.' Yet at Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 400,000 have been laid to rest, Trump commemorated the sacrifice of U.S. service members and singled out several Gold Star families to tell the stories of their fallen relatives. ▶ Read more about Trump's Memorial Day speech
