Trump Threatens Harvard’s Tax-Exempt Status Amid Federal Funding Freeze and Antisemitism Review

On Tuesday, President Trump issued a new threat to Harvard University following the federal government’s decision to freeze $2.2 billion in grant funding for the institution. The President suggested that the Ivy League school should potentially lose its tax-exempt status and be taxed as a political entity. This development comes amid an ongoing review by the Trump administration of several universities, including Harvard, over allegations of antisemitism.

The situation escalated after Harvard’s legal team sent a letter on Monday rejecting a list of demands from the Trump administration. These demands were part of the administration’s efforts to influence the governance and policies of universities, particularly concerning student expression on campus. Harvard’s refusal to comply with these demands has positioned it as the latest target in the administration’s broader strategy to use federal funding as leverage over higher education institutions.

In response to the administration’s actions, Harvard President Alan Garber issued a statement online, describing the demands as “an attempt to control the Harvard community.” He expressed the university’s intention to resist these pressures, signaling a firm stance against what he perceives as federal overreach into the institution’s internal affairs. This stance has been met with support from some members of the campus community and the broader education sector, who view it as a significant stand by an elite institution.

The unfolding situation highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and higher education institutions regarding governance and policy control. As the debate continues, the implications for Harvard and other universities under review remain uncertain, with potential impacts on their funding and tax status.