WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Trump administration is taking big steps to cut all federal contracts with Harvard University, according to a letter obtained by Fox News. This move comes amid concerns about antisemitism on campus and investigations into Harvard’s alleged ties to China and Iran.

What’s the Investigation About?

Congress is looking into claims that Harvard allowed members of a U.S.-sanctioned Chinese paramilitary group called the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) on campus. This group is linked to serious human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in China.

There are also worries that Harvard shared Department of Defense-funded research with Chinese universities connected to China’s military, which has been involved in cyberattacks and spying against the U.S. Plus, Congress says Harvard may have worked with Iranian researchers funded by Tehran, possibly on military projects. Harvard is also linked to controversial organ transplant studies with Chinese partners amid global concerns about forced organ harvesting in China.

What Is the Government Doing?

The Trump administration is telling all federal agencies to end their contracts with Harvard, with some reports estimating they total about $100 million. Homeland Security Secretary Noem said the administration wants to hold Harvard accountable for issues like campus violence, antisemitism, and ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

These are serious allegations, and the courts will have to sort out what’s true as the case moves forward.

What About International Students?

Recently, the administration tried to stop Harvard from admitting new international students because of the campus problems, but a judge temporarily blocked that order. According to a statement from Noem:

This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus ... It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused. They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law. Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.

This issue goes beyond Harvard. The State Department has paused student visa interviews across the country and is even thinking about checking social media accounts during the visa application process, making it harder for international students to come to the U.S.

How Many International Students Are in the U.S.?

Right now, there are over one million international students studying at U.S. colleges, mostly from India and China, according to Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange. Many study science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. But new visa rules and extra screenings are making it tougher for them to get here.