President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he welcomes students from China and other nations to study in the United States. He argued that without international students, America’s higher education system would collapse. His remarks mark a shift from his earlier stance, when he had proposed to “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students” while pressuring Beijing.
Importance of International Students
Trump admitted that U.S. universities rely heavily on foreign students. He defended a new proposal that would grant 600,000 student visas, framing it as part of his trade negotiations with China.
“American colleges would struggle without them,” Trump said, emphasizing the importance of international enrollment. However, the idea drew pushback from some conservative allies, who argued it contradicted his “America First” agenda and his earlier restrictive visa policies.
Trump’s Key Remarks
At the White House, Trump directly addressed concerns about student visas. He told reporters: “I hear so many stories that we’re not going to allow their students. We’re going to allow their students to come in. It’s very important, 600,000 students. It’s very important. But we’re going to get along with China.”
He stressed that keeping Chinese students out would damage both diplomacy and education. “We’re getting along very well with China, and I’m getting along very well with President Xi. I think it’s very insulting to say students can’t come here,” he said.
Trump went further, openly defending the value of international students in America. “I like that their students come here. I like that other countries’ students come here. And you know what would happen if they didn’t? Our college system would go to hell very quickly,” he said.
He argued that foreign students contribute not only tuition but also ideas, innovation, and cultural exchange. Trump claimed that international enrollment keeps many U.S. universities financially strong and globally competitive. He framed it as a win-win situation: “They learn here, we benefit, and later we all do better together.”
By highlighting students as part of broader U.S.–China relations, Trump signaled a softer approach, even as trade tensions remain high. His remarks suggest that, for now, education is one area where Washington and Beijing may still find common ground.
Trade Tensions in the Background
Trump’s softer remarks on students came a day after he threatened steep tariffs on China. He warned Beijing of a 200 percent duty unless it supplied the U.S. with essential rare earth magnets, a critical material for global supply chains. “We have to charge them 200% tariff or something,” Trump said, underscoring the rising tensions.
The president made his announcement while meeting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Washington. He hinted at a possible visit to Beijing soon. “At some point, probably during this year or shortly thereafter, we’ll go to China,” Trump noted. “We’re going to have a great relationship with China.”
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