The Trump administration's policies have significantly impacted U.S. higher education, particularly graduate programs and foreign student enrollment. Federal research funding cuts, reductions in Grad Plus loans, and restrictions on international students have halted a decade of growth in graduate programs, leading to financial challenges for at least 25 graduate schools. Middle Eastern Studies programs at U.S. colleges are among those threatened by these budget cuts. The administration's stance has also made American higher education less attractive to international students, prompting many to seek opportunities in Asian universities. Institutions like Princeton University have announced new cost-cutting measures in response to the reduced federal support and broader economic concerns. Experts warn that these developments, coupled with internal cultural conflicts within universities, pose risks to America's scientific future, economic strength, and global competitiveness.