Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about welcoming up to 600,000 Chinese students to the United States have sparked widespread criticism from his MAGA base, who view the idea as contradicting their nationalist priorities.
In an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” host Laura Ingraham warned that admitting such a large number of Chinese students could pose serious risks of espionage and intellectual property theft.
Trump defended his position, stressing that the influx of Chinese students is vital for keeping U.S. universities financially stable, claiming that reducing their numbers could lead to “half of America’s colleges going bankrupt.” He emphasized that foreign students pay significantly higher tuition fees than American citizens, which helps sustain the country’s educational institutions.
MAGA Supporters Clash with Trump Over Plan to Admit 600,000 Chinese Students
The comments triggered a sharp divide among Trump supporters. Michael Flynn, former National Security Advisor, criticized the idea on X, saying it would give China more influence and strengthen its position as a global power. Many MAGA-aligned users on social media also expressed strong opposition, arguing that welcoming more Chinese students undermines both American universities and domestic job opportunities.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed plans to issue 600,000 student visas to Chinese nationals over the next two years—consistent with prior policies, but representing a new record high. The issue is expected to fuel ongoing debate among Republican lawmakers, MAGA activists, and U.S. universities about the broader impact of Chinese students on America’s academic and national security landscape.