Former President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status, citing concerns over the institution’s alleged political and ideological orientation. The statement, made on Truth Social, comes amid rising tensions between the current administration and the university.
The dispute intensified last week when the federal government issued a list of demands to Harvard, linking compliance to the continued receipt of approximately $9 billion in public funding. Harvard’s president rejected the conditions, describing them as unlawful and an unacceptable interference in academic matters such as admissions, hiring, and curriculum development.
In response, the administration froze more than $2.2 billion in grants and multi-year contracts, much of which supports research across various disciplines. This move has raised concerns among higher education leaders, many of whom see Harvard as a key player in defending institutional autonomy.
According to the administration, these measures are part of a broader effort to address antisemitism on college campuses. In March, 60 universities were placed under investigation for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students. Nevertheless, former President Trump has also expressed a broader intent to challenge what he perceives as a dominant political bias in academia.
The threat to remove universities’ tax-exempt status has caused unease within the sector. That status, shared with charities and religious institutions, allows schools to operate as nonprofit organizations. Harvard, whose endowment is estimated at nearly $50 billion, is among the wealthiest universities globally.
Legal challenges are already underway. Harvard faculty members, in coordination with the American Association of University Professors, have filed a lawsuit contesting the administration’s requirements, which include eliminating DEI programs, screening international students for ideological views, and ensuring viewpoint diversity in hiring practices.
