WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has escalated its conflict with elite universities by asking the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status, citing the institution’s refusal to comply with federal mandates aimed at curbing antisemitism on campus.
The move follows the White House’s decision to freeze more than $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in active contracts to Harvard, after the university declined to meet a list of directives. According to the administration, these included banning certain pro-Palestinian student groups, dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and overhauling admissions and hiring practices perceived as discriminatory.
In a statement reported by Fox News, President Trump argued that Harvard’s continued protection under a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status was no longer appropriate.
“Harvard is no longer an educational institution—it’s a political operation,” Trump said. “They should be taxed accordingly.”
Harvard has been under scrutiny in recent months for what critics, including members of Congress and Jewish organizations, describe as a failure to adequately address antisemitic incidents during and after pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
University Pushes Back
Harvard University President Alan Garber rejected the administration’s demands, saying they violate the university’s right to academic freedom and free expression.
“We will not allow government pressure to dictate how we operate our classrooms or whom we admit,” Garber said in a public statement, arguing that the Trump administration was overstepping its legal authority.
As of Wednesday morning, the IRS has not responded publicly to the administration’s request. Legal analysts note that revoking a major university’s tax-exempt status would be unprecedented and would likely face extended legal battles in federal court.
Also Read | Federal Funding Frozen as Harvard Declines Trump Administration’s Proposed Reforms
Larger Political Battle
The Harvard clash is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers to hold elite universities accountable for what they call the politicization of higher education. Similar funding threats and tax scrutiny have been directed at other Ivy League institutions.
“American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that allow hate to fester,” a senior administration official told Fox News.
As of now, Harvard’s operations remain funded by its massive endowment, but the loss of federal aid and the threat to its tax status could have far-reaching financial consequences.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
(This article is based on information reported by Fox News)
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
