Trump administration subpoenas Harvard for files on students allegedly linked to anti-Israel rallies

NEW YORK — The US government says it subpoenaed Harvard University for records linked to students allegedly involved in a wave of anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian student protests that the Trump administration labeled antisemitic.

Since being sworn in again in January, US President Donald Trump has targeted top US universities over claims they are politically biased towards anti-Jewish hate and “woke” politics.

Trump has waged a political and economic campaign against Harvard, stripping it of funds and demanding extensive records linked to foreign students, whom it has repeatedly attempted to block the prestigious university from enrolling and hosting.

The administration has characterized widespread campus protests and sit-ins in the United States calling for an end to Israel’s war in Gaza as being “antisemitic,” and moved to expel foreign students and professors who took part in them.

“After many previous requests to hand over relevant information concerning foreign students, DHS will now send subpoenas forcing Harvard to comply,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says in a statement.

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says in a statement that “Harvard, like other universities, has allowed foreign students to abuse their visa privileges and advocate for violence and terrorism on campus.”

The subpoena demands that Harvard turn over “relevant records, communications, and other documents relevant to the enforcement of immigration laws since January 1, 2020,” according to the statement.

Harvard says in a statement that “while the government’s subpoenas are unwarranted, the university will continue to cooperate with lawful requests and obligations,” adding that the measure was “retaliatory.”

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.