Trump targets Harvard's tax-exempt status after university rejects antisemitism-linked demands

President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Harvard University, threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status just hours after his administration froze over $2 billion in federal research funding.

The move follows Harvard’s rejection of sweeping federal demands aimed at combating antisemitism, which the university argues threaten academic freedom and institutional independence, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Trump posted on Truth Social: "Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be taxed as a political entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting "sickness?" he wrote on Truth Social. "Remember, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the public interest!"

The White House's ultimatum to Harvard, disclosed in a letter obtained by the New York Times, included ten categories of proposed reforms. These ranged from reporting students deemed “hostile” to American values to requiring “viewpoint diversity” in all academic departments and hiring a government-approved auditor to review antisemitism-linked programs.

President Trump has accused top universities of enabling antisemitic behavior, particularly amid protests over the Gaza conflict and US support for Israel. The administration’s letter to Harvard stated that the institution had failed to meet the “intellectual and civil rights conditions” warranting federal support.

In response, Harvard President Alan Garber said the university would not bow to political interference. "Although some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the 'intellectual conditions' at Harvard," he stated.

The Education Department swiftly suspended $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts, accusing Harvard of demonstrating a “troubling entitlement mindset” and tolerating the harassment of Jewish students.

Harvard, with a $53 billion endowment, has responded with a lawsuit claiming unconstitutional attacks on free speech. Professor David Armitage told the BBC: "It's a not unexpected act of entirely groundless and vengeful activity by the Trump administration which wants nothing more than to silence freedom of speech."

The escalating standoff mirrors similar confrontations with other elite universities, such as Columbia, which agreed to federal demands after losing $400 million in funding. Critics warn the administration’s tactics threaten academic autonomy across the US higher education system.

By Vafa Guliyeva