President Donald Trump has signed two new executive orders aimed at reshaping the way colleges and universities operate in the United States. The focus of these orders is on two key areas—foreign donations and student admissions. As with many of the Trump administration’s education moves, Harvard University is once again at the center of attention.
These new policies have sparked a national debate about the role of identity in college admissions and the need for transparency in foreign funding. Supporters say the orders promote fairness and protect U.S. interests. Critics argue they attack academic freedom and diversity.
Foreign Donations Under Scrutiny
The first order signed by President Trump demands more transparency from universities regarding foreign donations. Schools are now required to fully report any financial gifts from overseas sources. According to the administration, top schools like Harvard may have fallen short of current reporting laws.
The government claims that foreign governments and wealthy donors might be using donations to influence college programs and policies. For example, some officials have pointed to large contributions from countries like China, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to elite U.S. schools. They fear these funds may come with expectations, whether spoken or unspoken.
“This is about protecting American values in education,” a White House spokesperson said. “Taxpayers have a right to know who is shaping the ideas taught in our schools.”
Colleges Could Face Penalties
The new order includes a warning. Schools that fail to fully report donations may risk losing federal funding. The Department of Education is expected to take a closer look at financial ties between U.S. universities and foreign entities. The goal is to prevent potential national security risks and to ensure academic independence.
In recent years, the federal government has already opened several investigations into college funding. In 2020, the Department of Education reported that dozens of schools had not properly disclosed over $6.5 billion in foreign contributions. Harvard was one of several institutions flagged for further review.
Merit-Based Admissions Promoted
The second executive order signed by Trump addresses the way colleges admit students. It pushes schools to prioritize academic performance rather than personal identity traits like race, gender, or background. The administration says using such criteria leads to unfair advantages for some students and leaves others behind.
The new order promotes what it calls a “merit-first” admissions process. This means test scores, grades, and personal achievements should weigh more than diversity goals. President Trump said the change is about rewarding hard work and talent, not meeting racial quotas.
“College should be about earning your place, not about checking a box,” Trump said at the signing ceremony. “We need to make education fair for everyone.”
Harvard Pushes Back Again
Harvard University has long been a strong advocate for race-conscious admissions. The school argues that diversity enriches the classroom and prepares students for a global society. It has faced multiple lawsuits over its admissions process, including one backed by the Trump administration.
In response to the new executive orders, Harvard has not changed its policies. It continues to support programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. University officials say these programs are part of Harvard’s core mission and reflect the values of its community.
Harvard has also clashed with the Trump administration over other issues. It has refused to share information about undocumented students and declined to participate in immigration enforcement efforts on campus. These decisions have put the school at odds with federal agencies.
A Fight Over the Future of Education
The tension between the Trump administration and elite universities like Harvard reflects a larger cultural and political divide. On one side, the federal government is promoting a more conservative vision of education—one that stresses tradition, competition, and American values. On the other side, schools are defending their right to shape their own missions and support diverse student populations.
Supporters of the new policies say they are long overdue. They believe universities have become too political and too focused on social agendas. Critics say the government is overreaching and trying to control what students learn and how they are selected.
The legal and social impact of these orders will unfold in the months ahead. Some experts predict lawsuits, especially over the admissions order, which may conflict with current civil rights laws.
In the meantime, schools across the country are reviewing their reporting procedures and admissions rules to ensure compliance. The executive orders are expected to spark intense debate among students, educators, and lawmakers.