WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he plans to strip Harvard University of its tax-exempt status, escalating his ongoing crackdown on elite universities in the U.S.
The announcement came via a post on his social media platform, where Trump expressed his belief that Harvard “deserves” to lose its tax exemption, though he did not specify when the action might take place.
Harvard quickly responded, calling the potential move unlawful and unprecedented.
The university argued that rescinding its tax-exempt status would have grave consequences for higher education in America, including reducing funding for student scholarships, medical research, and technological advancements.
“There is no legal basis to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status,” the university stated.
Trump’s move is part of a broader effort by his administration to target major U.S. universities, which he has accused of promoting left-wing ideologies.
Since taking office, Trump has pursued a series of actions against higher education institutions, including freezing federal funding, launching investigations, and revoking student visas.
His administration has also called for a ban on diversity and inclusion practices at universities.
However, under federal law, the president cannot directly request that the IRS investigate an organization’s tax-exempt status.
The IRS, which determines eligibility for tax exemption, did not immediately comment on Trump’s statement.
This latest threat adds to the escalating tension between the Trump administration and Harvard, which has been under increased scrutiny in recent weeks.
The administration has also sought information on Harvard’s nearly $9 billion in federal funding, its foreign ties, and the enrollment of international students.
Harvard has pushed back, suing the administration over halted research funding and other demands, and joining a coalition of more than 200 university presidents in protesting Trump’s education policies.
Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2bn Funding Cuts and Control Over Academic Independence ynews.digital/newsflash/harv…
The battle over Harvard’s tax-exempt status comes after Trump first floated the idea in an April 15 social media post, coinciding with the deadline for U.S. tax returns.
Although Trump has made similar statements about revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, it remains unclear how he would proceed with the move, as legal and procedural hurdles exist.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields clarified last month that any IRS actions would be independent of the president’s influence, noting that investigations into tax-exempt status are typically initiated before public statements are made.
