President Donald Trump has announced an order preventing foreign students from entering the United States to study at Harvard University, marking a significant escalation in his conflict with America’s oldest university.

In his statement on Wednesday, the president also granted Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to begin revoking visas of foreign students enrolled at the Ivy League institution.

According to President Trump’s statement, the decision was prompted by Harvard’s refusal to provide information regarding “known illegal activity” involving its international students.

This order was issued despite a federal judge’s injunction in May, which blocked the administration from stopping Harvard from enrolling international students.

The injunction came amid claims against the university related to alleged antisemitism and civil rights violations.

Harvard, however maintains that it has been actively addressing these concerns independently.

“Admission to the United States to study at an “elite” American university is a privilege, not a right,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement on X. “This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the President’s proclamation suspending the entry of new foreign students at Harvard University based on national security.”

In response, Harvard released a strong statement rejecting the president’s order.

“This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights,” said the statement from spokesperson Jason Newton. “Harvard will continue to protect its international students.”