France has voiced strong support for Harvard University and its international students, following attempts by former U.S. President Donald Trump to block foreign enrolments. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot made the remarks during a graduation ceremony at HEC business school in Paris, expressing concern over what he described as political interference in academic freedom.
Barrot said France stood with institutions targeted by government control, funding restrictions, and limitations on research. Speaking in English, he addressed the Harvard community directly, offering sympathy to students and staff “facing unjustified stress and anxiety.” He also announced that France would welcome any foreign students barred from studying in the U.S., offering them a safe environment to finish their education.
Trump’s administration has increased pressure on U.S. universities, threatening to cut funding and demanding changes in recruitment, staffing, and course content. Harvard, in particular, has drawn attention for resisting these demands. Last week, a U.S. court temporarily halted the enforcement of Trump’s order, which aimed to block most new international students from entering the country and warned current ones of possible visa cancellations.
Already, about $3.2 billion in federal support has been withdrawn from Harvard, and more cuts have been promised.
Meanwhile, France and the European Union are working to attract researchers affected by the U.S. shift. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently revealed a 500 million euro plan to make Europe more appealing to global academics. French President Emmanuel Macron has also introduced funding to help universities cover relocation costs for foreign scientists.
France’s position signals a wider effort by Europe to offer stability and opportunity to scholars caught in the crossfire of U.S. policy shifts.
