A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to strip Harvard University of its ability to enrol international students, following a lawsuit that marks a major escalation in tensions between the White House and the Ivy League institution.
Harvard quickly filed a lawsuit, accusing the administration of violating both federal law and the university's constitutional rights. The university argued that the action amounted to retaliation for its refusal to “surrender academic independence” and accused the government of trying to exert illegal control over its curriculum, faculty, and student body.
"With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body," the university wrote in its lawsuit. International students account for more than 27% of current enrolments—around 6,800 individuals.
In a letter to the Harvard community, interim President Alan Garber condemned the federal move as “unlawful and unwarranted.” He described it as part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration targeting elite institutions that refuse to conform to its political agenda.
The White House has defended its actions by accusing Harvard of failing to adequately address antisemitism and calling for reforms in admissions and hiring. "If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus," said White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson. “They wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with.”
The administration has also threatened to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status and, in April, froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to the university. That prompted an earlier legal challenge from Harvard, which remains ongoing.
Harvard is not alone. The Trump administration has launched investigations into dozens of universities nationwide, including Columbia University, pressuring them to clamp down on pro-Palestinian activism and alleged bias against conservative voices.
Although Harvard has made some concessions—including the dismissal of senior staff at its Center for Middle Eastern Studies—the latest court case signals a new phase in the university’s resistance. In its legal fight, Harvard has enlisted prominent Republican attorneys, including Robert Hur, the former special counsel who investigated President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents.
Foreign students at Harvard say they are now caught in the political crossfire. "I had almost forgotten about the earlier threat of a ban, and then Thursday’s announcement suddenly came," said Kat Xie, a Chinese STEM student entering her second year. “I'm in shock.”
Many international students pay full tuition and are ineligible for U.S. financial aid. At Harvard Law School, for instance, tuition alone tops $80,000 a year, with total annual expenses reaching about $120,000. Their presence is a major financial pillar for the university.
With the temporary restraining order in place, Harvard’s foreign students will remain enrolled for now, but further legal battles loom as the university prepares for what could be a prolonged courtroom confrontation with the federal government.
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
In our latest Newshour programme, presenter Guy Shone covered the recent report revealing that a covert U.S. working group, established earlier this year to speed up peace talks in Ukraine, has been quietly disbanded.
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rain trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, and infrastructure.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Canada warns the U.S. to reach a trade deal by 21 July or face new steel and aluminium tariffs, as PM Carney vows to protect Canadian workers from U.S. measures.
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
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