Donald Trump has now declared war on Harvard. On Friday, the president said he is removing Harvard University’s tax-exempt status. Trump announced Truth Social, writing: “We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status. It’s what they deserve!”
This is a significant move. Tax-exempt status is essential for universities like Harvard. This means they don’t have to pay federal taxes because they are a non-profit serving the public. Losing that status could cost Harvard millions of dollars every year.
But why is Trump taking such a drastic step?
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Trump has been angry with elite schools since his return to office in January. He believes places like Harvard are full of “radical left” professors and students. He also blames them for campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. Trump and his supporters say those protests are anti-Semitic. But many students say they are just standing up for human rights.
Harvard has pushed back. The school refused to follow Trump’s new rules, which include banning DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, unmasking protesters, and removing what the administration calls “activist faculty.”
Trump’s administration has already frozen $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard. Now, he’s going after their tax status. But usually, the IRS only removes tax-exempt status after a lengthy investigation — not just because the president says so. It’s not something a president can decide on a whim.
Harvard is fighting back in court. President Alan Garber said, “Harvard will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” The next court hearing is on July 21.
Under IRS rules, tax-exempt status is granted to non-profit schools, churches, and charities. These organizations are not supposed to take strong political stances in exchange for this benefit. They risk losing their tax-exempt status if they support one party or agenda too much.
This isn’t the first time Trump has targeted a university. In 2020, he threatened to cut funding to schools that used critical race theory. Now, he’s using his power again to attack Harvard, a school that doesn’t agree with him.
Harvard has always been seen as a top, liberal school, which makes it an easy target for Trump. He knows that going after Harvard will get a lot of support from his followers. But is this the right move? DEI programs help make campuses more inclusive, giving all students a fair chance, no matter their background. Taking these programs away could make schools less welcoming. Also, banning protests and forcing students to remove their masks could hurt free speech, which the First Amendment protects.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
