‘They’re coming for the American dream’: Kevin O’Leary lashes out at Trump’s ‘strong move’ blocking Harvard from taking international students — adds it could have far-reaching consequences

Stuck in limbo

The Trump administration’s latest attack on Harvard hinges on claims that the university is failing to uphold American values. Trump has pointed to student-held pro-Palestinian protests as evidence, but O’Leary isn’t convinced and says that’s not what he’s seeing.

O’Leary believes that targeting elite institutions such as Harvard could have unintended consequences — especially when it comes to attracting top global talent. He’s urging President Trump and Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, to come to an agreement.

“This has to get worked out,” O’Leary said. “When I go back there to teach in the fall, I want the best and brightest because I, along with millions of other investors, want them to stay in America.”

But for many students, the uncertainty is already settling in. The Trump administration’s order leaves international students at Harvard in a precarious position. Those on student visas could be forced to transfer to another institution in order to remain in the country — even if they’re just weeks away from graduation.

Marc Hvidkjaer, a doctoral student from Denmark, is among those students feeling the tension.

“I’m in limbo and the government has shown its hand here. And it’s showed to what lengths it is willing to go,” he told City News.

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Harvard pushes back

Harvard’s standoff with the Trump administration isn’t just about one university — it could set the tone for the future of higher education across the country.

In April, the university formally rejected a series of demands from the administration, arguing that compliance would effectively hand over control of its curriculum and operations to a conservative-led government. In its legal complaint, Harvard called the move a “blatant violation of the First Amendment."

Legal experts say the standoff carries implications far beyond Harvard’s campus.

“Perhaps this was not necessarily just about Harvard,” Charles Kuck, an Immigration Lawyer and Emory University Professor, told City News. “This was a message to all of higher education that you have to come into line with the thinking of what this administration thinks higher education should be.”

Lee C. Bollinger, former president of Columbia University, echoed that sentiment, telling the New York Times that Harvard’s refusal to back down is “precisely what has been needed.” He praised the university for defending not just academic freedom, but the democratic values embedded in America’s most vital institutions.

In the face of growing political pressure, President Garber said Harvard would continue to stand its ground.

“As we pursue legal remedies, we will do everything in our power to support our students and scholars,” he said in a statement.