US President Donald Trump has spoken out in support of foreign students studying in the United States, calling them “good” for American universities. In a Fox News interview with Laura Ingraham that aired Monday, Trump said cutting the number of international students would damage the country’s higher education system. Trump explained that international students play a big role in keeping US universities financially strong. He said reducing their numbers could cause many schools to close, including some historically Black colleges and universities. Trump noted that foreign students pay higher tuition fees, which helps support educational programs and facilities. He also said that welcoming students from around the world helps the United States build better global relationships. Trump argued that limiting the number of international students would hurt both the economy and the reputation of US universities. His remarks came as some conservative voices called for a sharp reduction in the number of students coming from countries such as China. During the interview, Ingraham pressed Trump on whether he would consider cutting international enrollment, saying it could make it easier for more Americans to get into top schools. Trump disagreed, stressing that the country’s colleges rely heavily on foreign enrollment to stay open. According to Trump, international students pay “more than double” the tuition of local students. He described the system as a business that brings in billions of dollars every year. Without this income, he warned, many schools could not survive. Trump’s defense of foreign students contrasts with several of his administration’s earlier policies, which had made it harder for them to study in the United States. During his time in office, his administration revoked thousands of student visas and imposed tougher screening measures. Officials also arrested students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests and tightened visa application requirements. Harvard University even went to court after the administration tried to block foreign students from enrolling in certain programs. A federal judge stopped the move, but the government later appealed the decision. Earlier this year, Trump had also said he would cancel visas for Chinese students to pressure Beijing in trade negotiations. However, he reversed the plan as part of a deal aimed at easing tensions over tariffs and export controls. The administration also developed a proposal called the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” Under this plan, colleges that agree to limit international enrollment could receive better access to federal funds. The proposed cap would limit undergraduate students with foreign visas to 15% of a school’s total population, and no more than 5% could come from any single country. In another move, Secretary of State Marco Rubio temporarily stopped US embassies from scheduling student visa interviews. The process later resumed but with tighter checks, including reviews of applicants’ social media activity. Trump’s recent comments suggest he may be trying to strike a balance between promoting American interests and keeping US universities financially stable. Higher education experts say that foreign students bring in more than $40 billion each year to the US economy through tuition, housing, and other expenses. Education leaders also point out that international students contribute to research, technology, and cultural diversity on campuses. Many graduates go on to work in US industries, including science, engineering, and medicine. While Trump’s new comments may signal a softer tone, it remains unclear whether his administration will ease its visa restrictions. For now, university officials are watching closely to see if the government’s stance toward international education will shift in the coming months. Trump ended the interview by saying that he wants US universities to “thrive” and that welcoming students from other countries helps strengthen America’s position in the world.