The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday escalated its standoff with Harvard University, threatening to revoke the school’s ability to enrol foreign students unless it complies with demands from the Trump administration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also announced the cancellation of two federal grants worth $2.7 million, saying Harvard must produce records about the “illegal and violent activities” of student visa holders by 30 April or lose its privileges under federal immigration programs.
“If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem said.
The crackdown is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration against universities over pro-Palestinian campus protests following Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The White House alleges the protests reflect “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” and has begun cancelling student visas and revoking funding for institutions it accuses of failing to control unrest.
Harvard, which holds a $53.2 billion endowment, has previously rejected demands from the Trump administration to restructure campus policies, including removing DEI programmes and imposing a campus-wide mask ban. It has also denied claims that it fosters antisemitism, saying it works to combat all forms of hate while protecting free speech and the right to protest.
On Monday, Harvard refused to accept the administration’s proposed restrictions in exchange for continued federal funding. The government responded by freezing $2.3 billion in funding and threatening to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status.
The Internal Revenue Service is reportedly reviewing Harvard’s financial standing, with a final decision on its tax designation expected soon, according to CNN.
Rights groups have raised alarms over the administration’s pressure campaign, warning that academic freedom, civil liberties and anti-discrimination protections are at risk.
The Trump administration has also frozen or pulled funding from Columbia, Princeton, Brown and other leading universities amid similar disputes, largely tied to cultural and ideological clashes over Israel-Gaza, diversity programmes and transgender policies.
Harvard has not issued a public comment since Noem’s latest announcement.
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
Sporting legends, rising stars, and international guests gathered in Madrid for the 24th Laureus World Sports Awards, where the global sporting community came together to celebrate a year of exceptional achievements, inspiring moments, and the unifying power of sport.
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend the second hearing in his ongoing criminal trial, where he faces serious charges of insurrection.
A U.S. airstrike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port has killed at least 74 people and injured 171 others, marking the deadliest known attack in President Trump’s renewed campaign against Houthi rebels and raising alarm over the widening scope of the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has signaled that a nuclear agreement with the United States remains within reach, provided Washington adopts a realistic and constructive approach ahead of the second round of negotiations with the Trump administration.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
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