Trump Blasts Harvard’s $5B Grants, Backs Trade Schools and ‘Trouble-Free’ Foreign Students

President Donald Trump took aim at Harvard University during an Oval Office news conference, expressing support for international students who "don’t cause trouble" while criticizing the Ivy League giant for its hefty federal funding. Trump revealed that Harvard, where nearly 30% of students are international, has received over $5 billion in government grants, a figure he called a "Trump thing" for uncovering.

The president’s remarks come amid a legal battle over Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows the university to sponsor international student visas. U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs recently blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke this certification, a move driven by accusations from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that Harvard fosters "violence, antisemitism, and ties to the Chinese Communist Party."

"We’re having it out with them," Trump said, signaling an ongoing fight. He accused Harvard of acting like a "big shot" while other institutions, like Columbia University, are working to address similar issues. Trump also highlighted an additional $200 million in grants recently discovered, likening the funds to "gravy" poured into Harvard’s coffers.

In a bold pivot, Trump proposed redirecting such funds to establish world-class trade schools. "I’d like to see money go to trade schools where people learn to fix motors, engines, or build rocket ships," he said, joined by Elon Musk, who nodded in agreement. Trump emphasized the need for skilled trades to support industries like housing and aerospace, citing the high cost of homes and the lack of educated contractors, as noted by Jarod Coffman of Coffman Construction.

"We’ve found our pot of gold," Trump quipped, slamming Harvard’s spending as wasteful. His vision? A trade school system that could outshine elite universities and power the future of American innovation.