US EditionTrump's Moves Seen Threatening Key Sources of US 'Soft Power'
- In early May 2025, the Trump administration sought to prevent Harvard University from admitting international students and warned it might impose a full tariff on foreign-made films screened in the United States.
- These actions follow a broader set of measures aimed at reducing foreign influence, motivated by concerns over ideological extremism and an 'America First' policy.
- International students make up one-fourth of Harvard's enrollment and contributed to a record 1,125,000 foreign students at US campuses in 2023-24, while the tariff threat risks damaging major films like Tom Cruise's 'Mission: Impossible-- The Final Reckoning'.
- Senator Jeanne Shaheen condemned the Harvard ban, while the US State Department highlighted the economic and diplomatic value of international students as 'powerful tools of soft power'.
- Critics warn these policies risk substantial damage to US global influence and prestige amid a US-China rivalry, with China opposing the politicization of educational ties and declaring the moves harmful to America's image.
68 Articles
68 Articles
Trump v Harvard: why this battle will damage the US’s reputation globally
What happens at Harvard has international implications. Here Filipino journalist Maria Ressa is awarded an honorary degree at Harvard in 2024. EPA-EFE/MARK STOCKWELL by Thomas Gift, UCL Harvard University is suing the Trump administration over its unprecedented attempt to bar international students from its campus. The latest salvo is that the administration has said it is … Continued
Trump v Harvard: Why this battle will damage the US's reputation globally
Harvard University is suing the Trump administration over its unprecedented attempt to bar international students from its campus. The latest salvo is that the administration has said it is canceling all federal funds, totaling US$100 million (£73.8 million). Although a federal judge has temporarily blocked the order to ban foreign students, many observers are rightly expressing deep concern about the global ramifications of the battle for the r…
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayTrump ‘reckless’ move to block Harvard’s foreign students sparks outcry over threat to US soft power, global influence
WASHINGTON, May 25 — The Trump administration’s attempt to block Harvard University, with its global reputation for academic excellence, from enrolling international students adds to a growing list of measures that risk severely undercutting American “soft power.” A federal judge has placed a temporary hold on the Harvard ban. But the president’s move was just part of a wider ideological battle he has waged against dozens of long-established pro…
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Trump's moves seen threatening key sources of US 'soft power'
The Trump administration's attempt to block Harvard University, with its global reputation for academic excellence, from enrolling international students adds to a growing list of measures that risk severely undercutting American "soft power."
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
