The Trump administration has demanded that Harvard reform its recruitment, screening, and admissions of international students to prevent admitting those hostile to American values, conduct audits of viewpoints among students, faculty, and staff to ensure viewpoint diversity, reform student discipline policies, and make transparent reports to the government and public about admissions and disciplinary actions. These demands also include shutting down certain student organizations and changing governance structures.

Harvard has refused to comply with the Trump administration's demands, emphasizing its commitment to fight antisemitism while defending its independence and constitutional rights. Harvard's president stated that the demands exceed the government's lawful authority and threaten academic freedom. The university has reaffirmed its stance against government interference in teaching, admissions, and faculty hiring practices.

The Trump administration has frozen $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard, threatened to revoke the university's tax-exempt status, and warned that its certification to enroll foreign students could be withdrawn if Harvard does not comply with federal immigration rules. The Department of Homeland Security demanded detailed records on foreign student visa holders' activities and has revoked two grants totaling over $2.7 million.

Since March, over 1,024 international students have faced visa revocations nationwide. At Harvard, international students make up approximately 27% of the student body.

The administration cited alleged antisemitism on Harvard's campus, accusations that the university failed to adequately protect Jewish students from discrimination and harassment, and concerns about the university's admissions and governance practices. It framed its demands as efforts to enforce compliance with anti-discrimination laws and preserve American values and institutions.