President Donald Trump sparked controversy on May 23 by criticizing Harvard University’s international students.
Trump claimed many “can’t add 2 and 2” and need “remedial math.”
His remarks came amid a federal court blocking the government’s effort to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students.
Trump claimed many Harvard foreign students lack basic math skills
Donald Trump said many Harvard international students struggle with basic math skills and need remedial courses.
During a press exchange, Trump was asked if he wanted “the best and brightest” global students at Harvard. He responded, “I do, but many need remedial math.”
He added that some international students “can’t add two and two” yet attend Harvard. Trump criticized those same students for protesting the U.S., calling them “troublemakers.”
Observers saw his comments as a jab at Harvard Extension School, which offers foundational math courses to non-traditional learners.
Additionally, Donald Trump was asked if he wanted “the best and the brightest” international students at Harvard. He responded with a jab, taking aim at Harvard’s foreign students.
He said: “I do, but a lot of the people need remedial math. The students can’t add two and two and they go to Harvard and then you see those same people picketing and screaming at the US? We don’t want troublemakers here.”
Trump’s Harvard visa ban faces legal challenge
Trump administration’s move to revoke harvard’s international student enrollment faced legal challenges.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the revocation, citing concerns about Harvard’s curriculum and compliance with immigration rules.
However, a U.S. district judge temporarily blocked this effort. The block prevents Harvard from losing its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.
Harvard argued in court that the revocation would harm the university’s core identity and is unconstitutional.
Additionallym Harvard president Alan Garber condemned trump administration’s revocation attempt as political retaliation.
He accused the Trump administration of punishing the university for defending academic independence.
He stated, “The revocation continues a series of government actions to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to surrender our academic independence.”
Harvard’s lawsuit highlights how international students, who make up 27% of its population, are vital to its mission.
International students form over a quarter of Harvard
According to report, International studenrs represent o ver a quarter of harvard’s campus and are key to its diversity
Nearly 6,800 international students attended Harvard in the last academic year.
The university and many education advocates emphasize that global diversity strengthens Harvard’s academic excellence.
Trump’s remarks were widely criticized as xenophobic and undermining the value international students bring.
Social media reaction
On social media, online backlash erupted after trump’s disparaging math comments about harvard students
Many users swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks. Many pointed out his own poor academic record.
While, others called the comments “terrible” and “nonsensical,”. They criticized Trump for targeting Harvard instead of addressing substantive issues.
One person said: Trump got an F in Statistics at Fordham.
A second wrote: The only one with a math problem here is the President.
While a third commented: Trump doesn’t really know math that much.
Someone else said: This was a terrible, and almost nonsensical, response from POTUS to the question that was asked.
Another added: Hes profited 2.9 bil since January…illegally. Harvard will sue his orange tan right off.
Someone wrote: 2+2 answer is 22 right?! Told you I’m a genius, trump said so. I got presidential an Executive Order signed!
Go ahead Trump. Keep going after the top law school in the country. It will be a case of FAFO. Someone user wrote.
