US President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that will compel universities to submit detailed admissions data to prove they are not engaging in affirmative action, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on X Thursday. She did not specify what penalties institutions might face if they fail to comply.
Since returning to the White House for a second term, Trump has intensified efforts to dismantle affirmative action in higher education. His administration has launched numerous investigations and threatened to cut federal funding for schools that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Harvard University has been a particular focus of Trump’s ire. He has repeatedly derided the institution as a “joke” that teaches “hate and stupidity,” and even froze its government funding earlier in his term. In May, his administration revoked Harvard’s right to enroll foreign students—who make up more than a quarter of its student body—arguing that the university was not transparent about their identities.
Although a judge blocked the move, Trump defended his decision, questioning why Harvard accepted such a high percentage of international students while their home countries contributed nothing to their education. “We want to know who those foreign students are,” he wrote on Truth Social, calling the demand “reasonable” given that the federal government provides Harvard with billions of dollars in support.
The upcoming executive order marks another step in Trump’s broader campaign against what he views as ideological bias and unfair admissions practices at elite universities. Critics warn it could heighten tensions between the federal government and academic institutions, while supporters argue it will bring greater transparency and fairness to the admissions process.
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