Trump’s Crackdown on Harvard: Too Much or Not Enough?

In this segment, the Chuck Warren, Sam Stone, and Free Beacon Reporter Jon Levine discuss the Trump administration’s recent decision to bar Harvard University from enrolling foreign students unless the institution meets certain new government standards. The conversation centers on whether this policy is too harsh or not strict enough, with the hosts leaning toward the view that a more comprehensive shutdown might be necessary to reassess and “unwind” current university practices. They emphasize concerns about national security and question where these foreign students are coming from, suggesting that American universities should prioritize domestic students, especially given challenges in the homegrown student population.

The financial aspect is also highlighted, noting that international students constitute about 27% of Harvard’s enrollment and contribute roughly $500 million annually, which helps subsidize American students. However, the hosts criticize Harvard for accepting federal grants while simultaneously claiming academic independence, accusing the university of ideological bias, including alleged discrimination against white students and promoting anti-American views.

The discussion underscores a broader cultural and political conflict involving immigration, university funding, campus ideology, and national priorities. The hosts argue that if Harvard wants to continue controversial admissions policies, it should rely on its massive $60 billion endowment rather than taxpayer money. Overall, the segment presents a critical perspective on Harvard’s role in higher education amid ongoing debates over foreign influence and institutional accountability.

Transcripts:

Sam Stone: We got a couple of minutes left here. So let's talk about Trump yesterday barred Harvard from enrolling foreign students. It's not quite all the story. They have to meet some standards to open this back up again. Harvard today pressed for an injunction legally. What is your take on this?

Is Trump taking this too far or is he not taking it far enough?

Jon Levine: Not far enough. I mean, I think what's that line he used to say? We need a total and complete shutdown until we know what is going on. And if he actually used an expletive. I think we we need. The foreign student population you know where are these countries they're coming from?

Sam Stone: Yes

Jon Levine: Who it's not being maybe we can open this up in five years but right now I want American universities to focus on Americans and it's not just foreigners I mean it's it's The homegrown population is a very serious issue,

but it's part of the broader process of reorienting and fixing these universities. I want Harvard to be great. I really do.

Chuck Warren: I do, too.

Jon Levine: I want Harvard to be a great institution. I'm not like anti-Harvard for kicks. But there's so much to get unwound. And this is part of the unwind.

Chuck Warren: Well, and these international students are also part of their profit-making scheme. I mean, you know, I saw an estimate this morning that they're getting from, you know, 27% of their enrollments for students, and that 27% provides $500 million annually.

Jon Levine: Right. They will sing a song and dance about diversity and, you know, multiculturalism, but it really is all about the money, which is fine. The money is important. And, you know, that does go to subsidized Americans. Right. We need to reorient the schools. We can't have foreign malign influences at Harvard University. I'm so sorry.

Chuck Warren: I agree with that. By the way, don't you find it funny that Harvard keeps talking about educational independence, academic independence, but please give us your federal grants?

Jon Levine: Yeah, I mean, Harvard is doing all of this because they're dedicated to discriminating. They want to continue to discriminate against white people. I mean, that's the root of a lot of the current troubles that they have.

But they don't need to take federal money. They have a $60 billion endowment. They're a very wealthy institution. They don't need federal money if they want to continue to do this. It's just crazy. I, you, me, the taxpaying public of this country shouldn't have to subsidize Harvard bringing in God knows where people from Palestine or wherever else and teaching them that America is an evil country and white people are evil. Why am I paying for this? Why are you paying for this? Nobody in this country should be. John Levine, thank you so much. We love having you on the program, folks. Stay tuned.

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