President Donald Trump weighed in Thursday on the growing national debate over Chinese students at American universities, describing them as “good for our country” even as his administration continues to ramp up scrutiny of foreign nationals studying in the U.S.

Speaking to Daily Caller White House correspondent Reagan Reese, Trump reiterated his long-held position in favor of foreign students, particularly those from China, while also acknowledging the need for caution. “Look, I’ve always been in favor of students coming in from other countries. That includes China,” Trump said. “We have 500 thousand Chinese students coming in, I’ve always been in favor of it.”

He added, “Does it mean that you have to watch people? Yeah, you have to watch students but you have to watch other people also… I think it’s a great thing. It’s good for our schools, I think it’s good for our country. I’m also in favor of having them stay.”

The comments came one day after Trump announced that a new trade deal with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was finalized. That agreement includes key provisions on tariffs and rare earth minerals, as well as controversial immigration concessions that would resume student visas from China—just days after the administration suspended Harvard University’s authority to admit foreign nationals.

Trump’s decision to continue allowing Chinese students arrives amid a broader crackdown on foreign student visas. On May 27, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a pause on new student visa interviews, citing the need for expanded social media screening. The move followed concerns about espionage and antisemitism on college campuses.

Despite the security risk, Trump insisted that encouraging Chinese students to study in the U.S. was ultimately a net positive. “I’ve been in favor of letting them stay,” he said, signaling support for pathways that allow graduates to remain in the country and contribute to the economy.

Under the new U.S.-China trade pact, the U.S. will impose a 55% tariff on Chinese imports, while the CCP will levy a 10% tariff on American goods. The deal also includes a provision that obligates China to front-load rare earth mineral shipments critical for U.S. tech and defense industries.

Trump emphasized that the full agreement remains pending final approval by himself and Chinese President Xi Jinping. But if implemented, it will represent one of the most consequential trade and immigration deals of his administration.

While Trump appears to be striking a more pragmatic tone on student exchanges, national security experts remain cautious. Critics argue that the CCP continues to exploit U.S. educational institutions as channels for intellectual property theft and soft power influence.

Even some within Trump’s own orbit have expressed concern. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the administration was monitoring dozens of Chinese-linked student groups suspected of funneling sensitive academic research back to China.

Still, Trump appears unfazed by the controversy, confident that his broader strategy will deliver economic and diplomatic wins. The president sees Chinese students not as threats, but as assets—provided the government keeps a close eye on who they are and what they’re doing.

His message was clear: America can out-compete China without shutting its doors. “Let them come,” Trump said. “Just make sure you’re watching.”