Harvard University's president had a subtle swipe at Trump, and the Class of 2025 stood in applause.

Harvard University Class of 2025 graduated in the midst of a battle with the Trump administration over the right of foreign students to enroll.

The class of 2025 graduated on Thursday amid the Donald Trump administration's hardline stance against Harvard University. The Harvard President, Alan M. Garber, was awarded a standing ovation after a veiled comment about the US President, who was attempting to prevent foreign students from attending the university.

Speaking to the audience in the historic Tercentenary Theatre in Harvard Yard, he declared, "To the class of 2025, from down the street, across the country and around the world. Around the world, just as it should be."

He stated so because the Trump administration just moved to withdraw Harvard University's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It prohibits Harvard from enrolling new foreign students and impacts nearly 6,800 existing foreign students.

Harvard pushed back by suing. They referred to the administration's decision to bar international students as a "blatant violation" of the law and free speech rights. US District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order on Trump's move in a short ruling.

Why is Trump quarreling with Harvard?

The move came months after the US government suspended $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard. This is because the university was not willing to drop its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and screen international students depending on their worldview.

The US State Department declared that Harvard "did not provide an environment on campus that was free from violence and anti-Semitism." The State Department sent a directive to all its consular posts throughout the world to begin scrutinizing visa applicants to Harvard more thoroughly. The screening is set to assist officials in deciding applicants "with histories of anti-Semitic harassment and violence."

Retaking the previous 72-hour deadline, Harvard has now been granted 30 days by the White House to appeal the withdrawal through formal administrative review.