'Will Do Things The Hard Way': Trump Administration Warns Harvard Could Lose Accreditation

Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 02:49 IST

The Trump administration warned Harvard of losing accreditation over alleged campus antisemitism, accusing them of non-cooperation.

US President Donald Trump

The Trump administration issued a sharp warning to Harvard University, threatening the loss of its accreditation over what it calls serious violations related to campus antisemitism and foreign student programs. The move escalates an ongoing clash between the federal government and one of the nation’s most prestigious academic institutions.

In a joint statement, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services said they had informed Harvard’s accrediting agency of potential federal law violations. The alleged breaches involve the university’s failure to address harassment complaints from Jewish students. If accreditation is revoked, Harvard students could lose access to federal financial aid.

Read more: ‘Avoid Boston, Be Mindful Of Social Media’: Harvard Issues Travel Advisory To Foreign Students

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also accused Harvard of refusing to cooperate with inquiries into its student visitor and exchange certification program. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), DHS warned, “We tried to do things the easy way with Harvard. Now, through their refusal to cooperate, we have to do things the hard way."

“If Harvard won’t defend the interests of its students, then we will," DHS added.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that DHS will issue administrative subpoenas to Harvard as part of a broader investigation. The administration said the university failed to provide key information regarding compliance with federal regulations tied to its foreign exchange programs.

The warning is the latest in a growing series of confrontations between the Trump administration and elite universities, which officials have accused of harboring left-wing ideologies and neglecting protections for Jewish students amid surging campus unrest.

Harvard has not yet responded publicly to the new threats.

New York, United States of America (USA)

News world 'Will Do Things The Hard Way': Trump Administration Warns Harvard Could Lose Accreditation