A federal judge in Massachusetts dealt a new legal blow to the Trump administration in its fight with Harvard University involving international students, as the president said a “historic” deal could be in the works.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump and his administration have cracked down on Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Columbia University since he took office in January, accusing the universities of perpetrating antisemitism by allowing pro-Palestinian student activism on campus.
The Department of Homeland Security also terminated nearly $3 million in grants to Harvard after the university defied a list of demands that included discontinuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, reforming student discipline policies and implementing a mask ban.
The Trump administration recently said it would revoke the certification for Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which enables the university to enroll international students. A judge issued a temporary restraining order to halt the policy.
What To Know
In the new ruling on Friday, Judge Allison Burroughs, an Obama nominee, ruled with Harvard, saying that the Trump administration is “Enjoined from implementing, instituting, maintaining, or giving any force or effect” to revoking Harvard’s SEVP and Exchange Visitor Program.
In a post to Truth Social following the ruling, Trump then floated a possible “deal” with the school.
“Many people have been asking what is going on with Harvard University and their largescale improprieties that we have been addressing, looking for a solution. We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a Deal will be announced over the next week or so,” the president wrote.
“They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations, and appear to be committed to doing what is right. If a Settlement is made on the basis that is currently being discussed, it will be ‘mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC, and very good for our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The judge also ordered the Trump administration to “take, in good faith, such other steps as are necessary to prevent the implementation of or the giving of any force or effect to the May 22, 2025 Revocation Notice during the effective period of this Order.”
A Harvard spokesperson told Newsweek via email Friday: “The Court order allows Harvard to continue enrolling international students and scholars while the case moves forward. Harvard will continue to defend its rights—and the rights of its students and scholars.”
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
What People Are Saying
Harvard President Alan M. Garber, in a June 6 statement: “Harvard’s Schools continue to make plans to ensure that our international students and scholars will be able to pursue their academic work fully. Additionally, the Harvard International Office remains focused on supporting members of our community.
We will continue to protect the rights of our international students and scholars, and the Constitutional rights of our University.”
What Happens Next
Burroughs also ordered Harvard to “to file a status report within 72 hours” to list the steps in which they are complying with the order.
Update 6/20/25, 4:31 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from a Harvard spokesperson.
