Trump Threatens to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of Harvard University for Opposing His Policies

U.S. President Donald Trump is escalating pressure by threatening to revoke Harvard University's 'tax-exempt status' after the university refused to comply with demands to change its campus policies.

On the 15th (local time), President Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social, "Remember that tax-exempt status is entirely dependent on actions taken in the public interest."

A protest criticizing the Trump administration held near Harvard University. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

He added, "If Harvard continues to promote the political, ideological, and terrorist-inspired or (terrorist-supported) 'disease,' then Harvard will likely lose its tax-exempt status and be taxed as a political organization."

This came after Harvard announced the previous day that it would not accept the Trump administration's demands to change campus policies, citing the elimination of anti-Semitism on campus as a justification. Since protests against the Gaza conflict led by pro-Palestinian students erupted last year, Harvard has become a major target of White House criticism. Additionally, the White House is pressuring Harvard to abolish its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

In response, the Trump administration notified Harvard that it would freeze $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts over several years.

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt said at a briefing that day, "Regarding Harvard, the President has made it clear that they must comply with federal law," adding, "He wants Harvard to apologize for the horrific anti-Semitism that occurred against Jewish American students on their campus."