Politic

Trump shakes up the scene with a Harvard ban and a $TRUMP crypto gala. Discover the authoritarian strategy and conflicts of interest behind it.

24 May 2025 3 min

Trump is once again at the center of global controversy after launching two highly contentious policies: a ban on international students at Harvard University and an exclusive gala for $TRUMP crypto investors. Both moves are widely viewed as evidence of Trump adopting strongman tactics to consolidate power and further his private interests. This article takes a deep dive into Trump’s maneuvers, the global response, and the potential threats to American democracy.

In early May 2025, the Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security, abruptly revoked Harvard University’s license to enroll international students. This decision shocked the academic world, affecting more than 7,000 foreign students now at risk of losing their visas. The formal reason: Harvard allegedly failed to cooperate with government requests for data on students involved in pro-Palestine protests and suspected anti-American activity.

The backlash was swift. Harvard immediately filed a lawsuit in federal court, calling the move political retaliation. The university argued that this policy violated the First Amendment rights to academic freedom and free expression. International criticism poured in especially from China, which said Trump’s action would damage the US’s reputation as a global education hub.

A federal judge quickly issued a temporary restraining order, putting the ban on hold pending legal review. Still, uncertainty looms over thousands of students, and Harvard’s reputation as a global institution now hangs in the balance.

Soon after, Trump hosted an exclusive dinner gala at his private golf club in Virginia for the top 220 investors in his $TRUMP cryptocurrency, whose total investment reached hundreds of millions of dollars. Guests included controversial crypto billionaire Justin Sun—currently under investigation for financial fraud—and former NBA star Lamar Odom.

This gala drew sharp criticism as a “pay-to-play” scheme, where access to political elites was effectively bought through large investments. Critics pointed out that 80% of $TRUMP’s supply is controlled by Trump-affiliated entities, raising questions about market manipulation. The value of $TRUMP itself has plummeted 80% from its peak, inflicting heavy losses on retail investors.

Many see this gala as an abuse of power, with Trump blurring the lines between public office and personal business. Notably, several investors present at the event had previously donated to Trump’s political campaigns. The event also sparked concerns about foreign influence, especially with Justin Sun’s presence amidst global financial investigations.

Political analysts note an increasingly aggressive consolidation of power in Trump’s administration. The Harvard ban and $TRUMP gala exemplify efforts to pressure critical institutions and promote personal financial interests from the highest office. Some critics have labeled these acts as a “new corruption fest” in Trump’s leadership era.

As a result, the credibility of America’s democratic institutions is at stake. If such policies persist, the US risks losing its appeal as a global destination for education and investment. Blurring the boundaries between state affairs and private business opens the door to conflicts of interest and possible legal violations.

The global reaction was immediate. China, home to the largest contingent of international students in the US, strongly condemned the Harvard ban. Several European countries also warned against “revenge politics,” citing the potential damage to America’s global reputation. Meanwhile, the financial community is calling for a thorough audit of crypto assets linked to public officials.

Harvard’s lawsuit is ongoing. In the crypto world, $TRUMP remains volatile and investor trust is waning. Analysts believe that if this pattern continues, the future of American governance and economic integrity could grow even dimmer.

Trump’s dual maneuvers from Harvard to the crypto gala highlight a new direction of power: more centralized, rife with conflicts of interest, and open to authoritarian tendencies. The world now watches: Will American legal institutions and public resistance provide balance amid this upheaval, or will they yield to Trump’s strongman “playbook”?