Overview

• Trump said the U.S. would allow 600,000 Chinese students in comments tied to China trade discussions, prompting immediate pushback from conservative allies.
• The White House told Fox News the figure reflects roughly two years of existing student visas for Chinese nationals rather than a planned increase.
• About 270,000 to 277,000 Chinese students currently study at U.S. colleges, according to figures cited from the Institute of International Education.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick argued on Fox News that international tuition helps keep many U.S. colleges financially viable, drawing fire from right‑wing commentators.
• The clarification lands alongside earlier moves to toughen vetting and revoke visas for some Chinese nationals, with reports also describing a proposal to set fixed terms for F, J, and I visas, including tighter limits for some Chinese holders.