Black Communities Push Back on Trump’s Claim About Chinese Students
President Donald Trump is facing widespread criticism after claiming that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) would “all be out of business” without Chinese students — a statement many online called inaccurate, offensive, and reflective of deeper racial stereotypes.
Trump made the remarks on Fox News during a November 10 interview with Laura Ingraham, arguing that reducing the number of Chinese students in the United States would shut down half of American colleges. “We do have a lot of people coming in from China,” he said. “We also have a massive system of colleges and universities, and if we were to cut that in half… You would have half the colleges in the United States go out of business. You would have the historically Black colleges and universities would all be out of business.”
The response was immediate. Social media erupted, particularly among Black communities who questioned both the accuracy and the implication behind Trump’s statement. “Since when did HBCUs rely on Chinese students ???” @cjgproduxions posted on X. Others framed the remark as ignorant or racist. “No bulls–t. We’re watching the dumbest muthaf—a in history,” wrote @OGPrinceAGAIN. Another user, @freedmofthejess, added: “Historically B L A C K Colleges and Universities relying on Chinese students???”
Enrollment data shows that international students make up only about 2.5 percent of all HBCU students nationwide, with most coming from African and Caribbean nations. One user pointed to their own experience, writing, “Funny, I didn’t see a single Chinese student at my son’s freshman ceremony at Morehouse in August. Go figure,” @pettygurl1973 said.
Many online users said the exchange revealed how Black colleges and Black students are often mischaracterized. “Bruh really can’t make a decent talking point without making black ppl either the villain or the scapegoat,” @IamDwayneWayne posted.
Others highlighted that HBCUs rely more on philanthropic support — such as MacKenzie Scott’s more than $300 million in donations — than on international tuition revenue.
A smaller group defended Trump’s intention, arguing that the comment was meant to support the institutions. “See context matters. After watching the video it seems as if he is trying to protect HBCUs… I hate twitter,” @HuffingtonsPost wrote.
Still, the dominant reaction online reflected disbelief and concern over how Trump continues to frame Black institutions in national conversations.
