The White House has offered an explanation regarding President Donald Trump’s remarks concerning Chinese students, clarifying that his statements did not imply an intention to allow 600,000 new Chinese students into the United States. The figure, the White House indicated, referred to the approximate 300,000 Chinese students who have been enrolled in American universities within the last two years.
Trump previously stated, “I’ve heard many stories that we will not allow Chinese students to come here. We will allow them to come. 600,000 students are very important to us, we will work together with China.” This statement was made amidst criticism over Trump’s visa plans for Chinese students. Currently, over 270,000 Chinese students are studying in the United States. This represents a decrease from the more than 372,000 students recorded in the 2019-2020 period, with a drop to 277,000 in 2023.
A White House official stated that Trump is not proposing to increase student visas for Chinese students. The 600,000 figure, they said, reflects visas issued over a two-year period and aligns with current policy. Trump also mentioned that he could impose a 200% tariff if China doesn’t supply the US with magnets, which are essential for the automotive, electronics, and defense sectors. He also confirmed that Chinese students would still be permitted to study in the United States.
Trump’s statements have drawn criticism in the United States. Right-wing political activist Laura Loomer strongly criticized Trump on social media. She called Chinese students communist party spies and accused Trump of undermining the ‘America First’ agenda. Loomer posted, “I didn’t vote to invite more Muslims and Chinese people into my country… Please don’t make America China. We don’t want more immigrants.” She also tagged White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, writing, “I don’t want 600,000 communist spies in America. China killed 1.2 million Americans. Now they are taking our place? That cannot happen.”