Following the Department of Homeland Security's Secretary Kristi Noem's letter to Harvard asking it to comply with the administration's requirements, or it would revoke its ability to enrol foreign students, the Ivy League had sued the Trump administration.

Meanwhile, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, Todd Lyons sent a letter to Harvard on Thursday stating that the University has been given 30 days by the government to respond to the alleged grounds for withdrawal, including accusations that they had been fostering antisemitism and violence on campus and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.

A letter from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated the agency's "intent to withdraw" certification, Harvard needs to have foreign students on campus.

On Wednesday, Trump had said in the Oval Office that the Ivy League University should have a 15 percent cap on the number of non-U.S. students it enrols. "Harvard has got to behave themselves," he said.

More than 6,000 international students were enrolled at Harvard during the 2024-2025 academic year, representing 27.3% of the student body, the university said.

The Trump administration had accused Harvard of harbouring antisemitism and violence on campus and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.

However, the University's lawyers have argued that the attack was part of an "unprecedented and retaliatory attack on academic freedom at Harvard".

The university is also engaged in another lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to cut off $3 billion in federal research funding.

Harvard's lawyers alleged that the University's certification was removed abruptly without any compliance with federal regulations that require the department to provide a legitimate reason for its actions and an advance notice.

The school also argued that the Trump administration is violating its right to free speech, guaranteed by the US Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

Trump had slammed Harvard on social media last week after Burroughs temporarily halted the action saying, “the best thing Harvard has going for it is that they have shopped around and found the absolute best Judge (for them!) - But have no fear, the Government will, in the end, WIN!”