Donald Trump mocks Harvard international students' math skills after revoking enrollment: 'Can't add 2+2'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump reignited controversy on Friday, May 23, after making inflammatory remarks about Harvard University’s international student body, suggesting that many of them “can’t add 2 and 2” and require “remedial math.”

His comments came as a federal judge temporarily blocked the government’s attempt to strip Harvard of its certification to enroll foreign students.

Donald Trump takes aim at Harvard international students

When a reporter asked if Donald Trump wanted “the best and the brightest” from around the world to study at Harvard, he responded with a jab: “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.”

The remark was widely seen as a dig at Harvard Extension School, which offers basic math courses for non-traditional students and working professionals.

Trump’s comments drew immediate backlash from education advocates and Harvard affiliates who saw them as undermining the value and contributions of international students.

The administration’s attempted revocation, announced Thursday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, targeted the prestigious university’s ability to enroll international students, citing concerns over curriculum and compliance with immigration policy.

Harvard President Alan Garber condemns Trump administration's decision as politically driven

Just hours before Donald Trump’s comments, a US district judge issued a temporary block on the Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

The move would have made it illegal for the university to host international students, prompting outcry and a swift legal challenge.

“Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” the university wrote in its lawsuit, arguing the revocation was not only damaging but also unconstitutional. Harvard President Alan Garber accused the administration of “retaliating” against the school for resisting government overreach into its academic affairs.

Garber wrote in a statement to the Harvard community, “The revocation continues a series of government actions to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to surrender our academic independence.”

27% of Harvard’s students come from abroad

International students comprise more than a quarter of Harvard’s student population, with nearly 6,800 enrolled in the most recent academic year. Many at the university and beyond view the student body’s global diversity as essential to its mission and excellence.

Trump’s remarks, widely criticized as dismissive and xenophobic, come at a time when immigration and education policies remain hot-button issues in the US.

Donald Trump’s Harvard math jab ignites online backlash

President Donald Trump faced a wave of criticism online after making a disparaging comment about Harvard students’ math skills during a recent appearance. 

Many users were quick to point out Trump’s academic track record: “Trump got a F in Statistics at Fordham and had a 1.28 GPA before they kicked him out!” one user wrote.

Others criticized the comment, “This was a terrible, and almost nonsensical, response from POTUS to the question that was asked.”

“Trump is really fuming about Harvard here like dude relax, Barron is not that bright,” one user lamented.

Another added, “No one who goes or gets into Harvard has a problem with math, the only person who has a problem with math in this discussion is you, Mr President.”

Critics also connected the jab to broader issues of credibility and ethics, with one user writing, “Trump is such an illiterate criminal. He has discovered his Presidency and cult following has made him immune to prosecution. And so he is throwing the emoluments clause out! It’s a smash & grab all the wealth he can while taunting us struggling citizens.”

And another concluded, “Trump doesn’t really know math that much.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.