Overview

• The Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, has officially stopped issuing grants to Harvard University, escalating tensions between the administration and the institution.
• President Trump has publicly reaffirmed his intent to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, though legal experts stress this authority lies solely with the IRS and requires a lengthy investigation.
• Harvard has resisted federal demands to reform diversity policies and admissions, citing constitutional protections for academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
• A 500-page internal report from Harvard acknowledged failures in addressing antisemitism on campus, including fostering an environment hostile to Jewish and Israeli students.
• Critics warn that using tax-exempt status as a political tool could set a dangerous precedent for higher education and nonprofit independence in the United States.