Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has issued another sharp warning to Harvard University, threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status if it fails to comply with recent White House policy directives. The warning comes just days after the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in funding to the university, citing opposition from the institution’s leadership to federal efforts aimed at controlling campus activism.
Taking to Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump wrote:
“Maybe Harvard should lose its tax-exempt status and be taxed like a political entity. Why should it continue to enjoy tax breaks if it promotes political, ideological, or even terrorist-sympathizing agendas? Remember, tax-exempt status depends entirely on operating in the public interest!”
Campus Protest Crackdown at the Heart of Dispute
The controversy centers around the university’s refusal to implement measures to curb campus activism, particularly those perceived to support pro-Palestinian protests. On Monday, Harvard publicly declared it would not comply with the Trump administration’s demands to suppress such activities, prompting the president’s response.
Last Friday, the White House sent a formal letter to the Harvard administration demanding sweeping reforms. These included implementing merit-based admissions and hiring policies, and introducing restrictions on face coverings — a move widely interpreted as targeting demonstrators wearing masks during protests.
Harvard Defends Academic Freedom
In response, Harvard University President Alan Garber strongly rebuked the administration’s directives. In an official letter, Garber wrote,
“These demands violate the university’s First Amendment rights and exceed the federal government’s authority under Title VI. No government, regardless of political affiliation, should dictate what private universities can teach, who they can admit, or whom they can hire.”
Garber also emphasized that Harvard has already taken significant steps to address concerns over rising antisemitism on campus.
Political Pressure on Academia Intensifies
This escalating standoff between one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions and the federal government reflects the Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive posture toward higher education. Critics say it represents a broader attempt to suppress dissent and curtail academic freedom.
Observers note that threatening a university’s tax-exempt status is an extraordinary move and could set a dangerous precedent. Legal experts caution that such an action would likely face significant constitutional challenges.
As the 2025 election season heats up, Trump’s battle with Harvard is widely seen as a calculated attempt to rally conservative voters, many of whom view elite universities as out-of-touch bastions of liberal ideology. For now, Harvard stands firm — and the conflict seems far from over.
