Businessman and television personality Kevin O’Leary has now reportedly sharply criticized the Trump administration’s move to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, calling the decision misguided and detrimental to America’s long-term interests.
Speaking during an appearance on Fox News, O’Leary condemned the action as “stupid,” emphasizing the value international students bring to elite institutions and the broader U.S. economy.
“They curate remarkable students from all over the world,” he said. “They don’t care about religion, geography, or race — just about finding the top talent globally.”
O’Leary, who holds a teaching role at Harvard as an executive fellow, pointed to the makeup of his own class, noting that over a third of his students are from abroad.
“They don’t hate America — quite the opposite,” he said. “They want to stay, start businesses, get a passport. These are the kind of people we should be welcoming.”
The Trump administration, in an effort led by Homeland Security officials, recently attempted to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students, citing concerns about alleged ties to hostile foreign entities and a failure to curb antisemitism on campus.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the policy, but the debate continues.
O’Leary questioned the wisdom of investing in the education of top international students, only to send them away once they graduate.
“Why would we spend millions educating the brightest minds on Earth, only to kick them out and have them start companies somewhere else? That doesn’t make sense,” he said.
While O’Leary acknowledged that Harvard, like other universities, may face criticism on various fronts, he argued that punishing its international student body was counterproductive and harmful to America’s reputation as a global education leader.
“These kids are amazing,” he said. “We’ve got to keep them here.”
The move has sparked concern across the academic world and among business leaders who see foreign graduates of U.S. universities as key drivers of innovation and economic growth.
In O’Leary’s telling many of these students go on to found startups, contribute to scientific research, and fill critical roles in the technology and healthcare sectors. However, he did not mention the threat these students, some members of the Chinese Communist party, could pose to US nation security.
The controversy highlights broader tensions between the Trump administration and elite universities over issues ranging from immigration to campus speech.
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