Trump threatens to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status over free speech conflict

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status, escalating an ongoing conflict between the White House and the Ivy League institution over free speech, political ideology, and federal funding.

“We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status. It’s what they deserve!” Trump posted on Truth Social, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

This move follows earlier comments from Trump in April, where he floated the idea of rescinding Harvard’s tax-exempt status. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had reportedly been exploring the possibility of carrying out this action, with Trump’s administration pushing for significant changes at the university. A spokesperson for Harvard responded, asserting, “There is no legal basis to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status,” adding that such an unprecedented step “would endanger our ability to carry out our educational mission.”

Harvard emphasized the broad negative consequences of the proposal, warning that “money for federal taxes would have to be taken away from other priorities,” resulting in reduced financial aid for students, a halt to critical medical research, and lost opportunities for innovation.

Harvard’s president reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its independence, stating, “We will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights. Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government.”

The university has already become a focal point in the Trump administration’s battle over antisemitism and campus protests. In response to growing tensions, Harvard has taken some symbolic steps, including renaming its Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and releasing reports on antisemitism and bias. However, these actions have not satisfied the administration’s demands.

The White House has made clear that it seeks further reforms, threatening additional funding cuts if Harvard does not meet its requirements. A White House official remarked, “What we’re seeing is not enough, and there’s actually probably going to be additional funding being cut.”

By Vafa Guliyeva