President Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status after freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding, escalating his campaign to reshape elite universities. The move comes after Harvard rejected White House demands to overhaul its hiring, admissions, and teaching practices to combat antisemitism.
In a Truth Social post, Trump suggested Harvard should be “taxed as a political entity” if it continues pushing “political, ideological” views. The administration claims the university has tolerated antisemitism, particularly during Gaza war protests last year. Harvard President Alan Garber called the demands an unconstitutional attempt to “control” the institution, vowing to protect academic freedom.
The standoff reflects Trump’s broader push to withhold federal funds from universities resisting his policies. While Columbia University initially complied with similar demands, both schools are now pushing back. Harvard professors have filed a lawsuit alleging government overreach, arguing no price is too high to defend free speech.
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