The U.S. State Department has opened an investigation into Harvard University’s eligibility to continue sponsoring participants in the Exchange Visitor Program, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday.
The move marks the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing conflict with the Ivy League institution.
Rubio said the investigation aims to ensure that State Department programs “do not run contrary to our nation’s interests,” though further details were not provided.
In May, the administration revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program status, but that decision was temporarily blocked by federal Judge Allison Burroughs. Now, the renewed inquiry targets individuals at Harvard on J-1 visas—used for foreign professors, researchers, specialists, and students.
“All sponsors must comply with exchange visitor regulations, including transparency in reporting and a demonstrated commitment to cultural exchange and mutual understanding,” Rubio said. He added that any failure to do so could compromise U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives.
The administration has previously accused Harvard of failing to provide required information about its international students and cited concerns over antisemitism on campus. In April, it moved to block the university from receiving $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts over related policy disputes involving admissions, campus conduct, and diversity initiatives.
Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton responded by calling the investigation a retaliatory move that violates the university’s First Amendment rights. “Harvard continues to enroll and support international scholars and will assist them as they apply for visas and travel to campus,” he said, affirming the school’s commitment to comply with federal regulations.
In a broader push for stricter oversight, the State Department has also directed embassies to increase scrutiny of visa applicants, urging staff to check for “hostile attitudes” toward U.S. culture and institutions. Applicants are now being asked to make their social media profiles public for enhanced vetting.
Harvard has argued in court filings that it has fulfilled all legal requirements, including providing necessary student information and addressing antisemitism concerns. A separate legal battle over frozen federal funds is still ongoing, with Judge Burroughs expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks.
