'What The Hell Is He Smoking?': Netizens Fume As Trump Vows To Welcome 600,000 Chinese Students In Trade Deal

President Donald Trump has announced plans to admit up to 600,000 Chinese students into American colleges as part of ongoing trade negotiations, sparking both political debate and a mixed reaction online.

The pledge came on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, during White House discussions about US–China relations, where Trump suggested the move would strengthen trade ties and boost higher education. The reaction, however, was swift and polarised.

What Happened

Trump told reporters that welcoming more Chinese nationals to US universities could serve as a bargaining chip in trade talks. He framed the plan as mutually beneficial, a chance to attract foreign tuition money while keeping China engaged in talks over tariffs, technology and exports. Major outlets have separately reported Trump's recent signal that Chinese students are 'welcome' as part of trade discussions, but without confirming the 600,000 figures.

The remarks were made Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, at the White House during a briefing centred on US–China trade policy. The president gave no specific timeline for when the student admissions could begin.

Who Is Involved

The announcement involves not only the US government and its colleges but also hundreds of thousands of prospective students in China. Chinese nationals are currently the second-largest international student group in the United States (about 277,000–280,000 in 2023/24), so admitting 600,000 would more than double today's level.

Supporters argue the measure could bring billions in revenue to US universities at a time when many face financial strain. International students typically pay higher tuition fees, and universities rely heavily on their contributions.

Critics, however, question whether the country has the capacity to absorb such a large influx. With US campuses already struggling with housing shortages and visa backlogs, some fear the plan would put pressure on resources while raising security concerns.

Why It Sparked Backlash

Online reaction has been mixed, with critics calling the idea risky amid ongoing debates over national security and campus capacity. Conservative commentators also point to longstanding worries about intellectual property theft and espionage; issues frequently raised in past debates over Chinese student visas.

The administration recently signaled both tighter scrutiny and, later, a reversal welcoming student as part of trade negotiations.

The proposal comes at a delicate moment in US–China relations. Negotiations are ongoing over tariffs, currency policy and market access. Reuters and others reported in June that Trump linked allowing Chinese students to trade arrangements (rare earths/magnets) but did not specify numbers. Administration officials have not yet released details of how a 600,000-student program would operate.

Wider Context

Higher-ed leaders are watching closely. Many US universities have struggled with declining domestic enrolment, and international students often fill the financial gap. Yet institutions are wary of over-reliance on any single foreign market.

Chinese students totaled about 277,000–280,000 in 2023/24 (Open Doors), down from a pre-pandemic peak of 370,000 in 2019, so a jump to 600,000 would be unprecedented. So far, no other major outlet has independently confirmed that figure.