Boston: In the latest in a series of Trump administration inquiries targeting Harvard University, the State Department said Wednesday it is investigating whether the Ivy League school will remain part of a government programme that provides American visas for students and researchers from other countries.

Harvard has faced mounting sanctions and scrutiny from Washington since rejecting demands from a federal antisemitism task force in April. The university has filed a lawsuit challenging USD 2.6 billion in federal cuts and has accused the Republican administration of waging a retaliation campaign.

The statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not specify why the department was examining Harvard's eligibility to take part in the Exchange Visitor Programme, which allows foreign nationals to study or work in the United States through cultural and educational exchanges.

It said all sponsors, such as Harvard, are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, ensure transparency in reporting, and demonstrate a commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the programme was founded.

Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton described the probe as “another retaliatory step” by the administration.

“Harvard continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect its international community and support them as they apply for US visas and travel to campus this fall,” Newton said in a statement. He added that the school remains committed to complying with the programme's rules.

Brett Bruen, a former director of global engagement under Democratic President Barack Obama, criticised the move, saying there is no justification for the administration's action.

“It not only damages Harvard, but American higher education and industry that depend on the best and brightest wanting to come here,” Bruen posted on X.

The State Department said the investigation aims to ensure that its programmes “do not run contrary to our nation's interests.”

The administration has previously attempted to block Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, from hosting foreign students. Former President Donald Trump has also threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status.

Last month, the administration issued a finding that Harvard tolerated antisemitism — a move that could jeopardise all of the university's federal funding, including student loans and grants. Such a penalty is often described as a “death sentence.”

Harvard's president, Alan Garber, has said the university has made changes to combat antisemitism but will not submit to the administration's demands.