Overview

• Trump told the Daily Caller the number covers two years and called the move the right thing to do, citing ties with President Xi and the benefits to U.S. colleges.
• A White House official told Fox News Digital the administration is not proposing an increase in student visas for Chinese nationals.
• Conservative allies including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and activists like Laura Loomer criticized the stance, arguing it undermines America First priorities.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended large-scale Chinese enrollment on economic grounds, warning weaker colleges could close without those students.
• Analysts note about 277,000 Chinese students are currently enrolled, casting doubt on the 600,000 figure and highlighting security concerns and the lack of new implementing guidance.