President Donald Trump has intensified his clash with Harvard University by proposing to revoke its tax-exempt status, just hours after announcing the freeze of over $2 billion in federal funding.
The administration’s decision follows demands for Harvard to overhaul its hiring, admissions, and teaching practices—changes the White House claims would combat antisemitism on campus. Since returning to office, Trump has threatened to reshape major universities through financial pressure, especially those receiving significant research grants.
On Monday, Harvard refused to comply with these demands, accusing the government of overreach and asserting its right to operate independently. In response, Trump posted on social media, questioning whether Harvard should continue to benefit from tax exemption, especially if it supports what he described as “political, ideological, and terrorist inspired” agendas. He argued that tax-exempt institutions must serve the public interest.
Removing this status could cost Harvard millions annually.
The administration’s proposed reforms include:
Reporting students labeled as “hostile” to American values,
Ensuring departments are “viewpoint diverse,”
Hiring external auditors to investigate programs linked to antisemitic incidents,
Checking faculty work for plagiarism,
Enforcing disciplinary actions related to protests.
The White House has accused top universities of failing to protect Jewish students amid nationwide protests over the Gaza conflict and U.S. support for Israel. Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, emphasized that while the university condemns antisemitism, it won’t sacrifice its autonomy or First Amendment rights.
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Following Harvard’s refusal, the administration confirmed the immediate suspension of $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts. Officials criticized the university’s stance as reflecting an “entitlement mindset” that disregards student safety.
Harvard professor David Armitage called the move an attack on academic freedom and a political attempt to suppress dissent. The university, with a $53 billion endowment, is also involved in a lawsuit accusing the government of infringing on freedom of speech.
Harvard is one of several elite institutions under pressure from the new administration. Columbia University previously complied with similar demands after losing $400 million in funding. The recent political climate has seen increasing skepticism toward higher education, particularly among conservatives who view universities as pushing ideological agendas.
Meanwhile, some students involved in pro-Palestinian protests have faced legal and immigration consequences, with several recently detained.