President Trump has once again threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status. In a post on Truth Social, he declared, "We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status. It’s what they deserve!" This is the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and the prestigious university.
The conflict centers around accusations that Harvard has not adequately protected Jewish students on campus. The administration has issued a list of demands that Harvard must meet to avoid losing significant federal funding—reportedly over $9 billion. Harvard’s president rejected these demands, calling them illegal and an unacceptable attempt to control the university’s academic freedom.
This isn’t the first time Trump has suggested revoking Harvard’s tax status. He first raised the idea in April, expressing frustration over what he described as the university’s political leanings and its failure to conform to certain ideological expectations.
The Trump administration’s actions have significant implications. Nearly all colleges and universities in the U.S. enjoy tax-exempt status, which allows them to accumulate large endowments. Harvard, with an endowment exceeding $50 billion, is the largest among them.
In response to the administration’s threats, Harvard has filed a lawsuit. The university argues that the government’s actions violate the First Amendment and do not follow proper legal procedures. An expedited trial is set to begin this summer.
This ongoing saga highlights the broader Republican efforts to challenge tax exemptions for elite educational institutions. In 2017, Congress passed a tax on university endowments, reflecting a growing trend of scrutiny toward higher education funding and practices.
As this situation unfolds, the stakes remain high for Harvard and other institutions facing similar pressures. The outcome could reshape the landscape of higher education funding in the United States.