Trump says US colleges would ‘go to hell’ without Chinese students amid Maga backlash

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he welcomes students from China and other countries to study in the United States, arguing that without them, America’s college system would collapse. His remarks signaled a shift from earlier plans to “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students,” which he linked to improving ties with Beijing.

Trump said American colleges would “struggle” without international students, defending a proposal to allow 600,000 student visas as part of ongoing trade talks with China. The idea, however, drew criticism from some of his conservative allies, who saw it as a contradiction to his “America First” agenda and past restrictive visa measures.

“I hear so many stories that we’re not going to allow their students,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “We’re going to allow their students to come in. It’s very important, 600,000 students. It’s very important. But we’re going to get along with China.”

“We’re getting along very well with China, and I’m getting along very well with President Xi. I think it’s very insulting to say students can’t come here,” he said.

“I like that their students come here. I like that other countries’ students come here. And you know what would happen if they didn’t? Our college system would go to hell very quickly,” Trump added.

The comments came a day after Trump warned China of steep tariffs, threatening a 200 percent duty unless Beijing supplied the US with key magnets. “We have to charge them 200% tariff or something,” he said, amid an escalating trade dispute over rare earths and supply chains.

Trump made the announcement during talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Washington. “At some point, probably during this year or shortly thereafter, we’ll go to China,” Trump said. “We’re going to have a great relationship with China.”