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Trump Intensifies Feud With Harvard, Threatens Tax-Exempt Status

President Trump has reiterated his intent to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, raising legal and financial stakes as the university challenges a $2.2 billion federal funding freeze in court.

Harvard University is reflected in the window of a merchandise store across the street from the school on April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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Overview

  • President Trump declared on Truth Social that his administration will revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status, escalating a standoff over campus policies and alleged antisemitism.
  • Harvard has strongly rejected the threat, stating there is no legal basis for revocation and warning that such action would harm its educational mission, student aid, and research programs.
  • Federal law prohibits the president or senior officials from directing IRS investigations, and the agency has not confirmed any action against Harvard's status.
  • Democratic senators have called for an inspector general investigation into whether the administration is pressuring the IRS for political purposes, citing potential constitutional violations.
  • The dispute follows Harvard's refusal to comply with administration demands, including reforms to diversity programs and admissions policies, which led to a $2.2 billion federal funding freeze now being challenged in court.