Trump Targets Harvard: Visa Applicants Face Social Media Scrutiny

In a controversial move, the Trump administration is initiating a pilot program to screen social media accounts of visa applicants seeking entry to Harvard University. This initiative, framed as a security measure, is raising concerns about privacy and academic freedom.

According to reports, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to thoroughly examine the online presence of all nonimmigrant visa applicants intending to visit Harvard for any purpose, including students, faculty, researchers, and staff.

The State Department is particularly focused on individuals with private or restricted social media accounts, viewing this as potential “evasiveness” that could impact their credibility.

Critics argue that this policy is an attack on free speech and academic exchange, turning Harvard into a testing ground for broader restrictions on international students. This follows previous actions by the Trump administration, including research funding cuts and a temporary ban on international students, which was later blocked by a judge.

The program is expected to expand nationwide, potentially affecting international scholars and students across the country.