Investor Kevin O’Leary Criticizes Trump Administration’s Attacks on Harvard’s International Students
In a recent interview with Fox News, investor and entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary expressed his disapproval of the Trump administration’s latest measures targeting the international student community at Harvard University. He labeled these actions as "counterproductive," emphasizing the importance of retaining exceptional talent in the U.S.
During his appearance on "Outnumbered," O’Leary remarked, "Harvard has faced its share of scrutiny for various issues, but it shouldn’t be penalized for assembling such remarkable cohorts of students. These individuals bring immense value to our society, and we should do everything possible to keep them in the country."
President Trump has escalated his criticism of Harvard, proposing a controversial 15% limit on the number of foreign students admitted to Ivy League schools and other universities in the U.S. Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has threatened to revoke visas for Chinese scholars, further intensifying the debate on international student policies.
While addressing reporters from the Oval Office, Trump claimed, “Many of those students didn’t go anywhere. Many of those students were troublemakers caused by the radical left lunatics in this country,” alluding to his perception of international students.
O’Leary, who also serves as an executive fellow at Harvard, refuted the president’s claims without naming him directly. "These students want to be in America; they aren’t opposed to our country," he stated. "Their goal is to obtain a passport, stay here, and launch their own ventures. I believe I’m among the few voices advocating for this perspective."
He further questioned the rationale behind pushing away high-achieving individuals: "Why would we spend millions to educate the brightest minds only to send them away? It seems illogical."
As Trump’s campaign against Harvard’s student policies faces setbacks, a federal judge recently ruled in favor of the university, blocking the proposed cap on international students. This ongoing debate highlights the complex relationship between national policies and the value of global talent in the U.S. education system as we move through 2025.