President Donald Trump has intensified his clash with Harvard University, calling for the removal of the institution’s tax-exempt status after his administration froze over $2 billion in federal support. The White House has demanded that Harvard adopt sweeping reforms aimed at addressing what it describes as campus antisemitism, including changes in hiring, admissions, and academic policies.

The Trump administration’s move follows a series of escalations targeting elite academic institutions. Trump has made it clear that he intends to reshape higher education by threatening to cut federal research funding for universities that do not align with his political views. On Monday, Harvard pushed back against the White House’s demands, accusing the administration of attempting to interfere with academic autonomy.

Trump Warns Harvard Over Tax-Exempt Status

The situation intensified on Tuesday when Trump took to social media to suggest that Harvard’s tax-exempt status should be revoked. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that universities that promote political ideologies or support extremist views should lose their eligibility for tax benefits.

“Harvard should be taxed like a political organization if they continue pushing this ideological direction,” Trump wrote. He emphasized that tax exemptions must serve a public benefit, and if they do not, the privileges should be stripped away. If the exemption is revoked, it could cost Harvard millions in annual revenue.

Later in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration’s position, demanding that Harvard issue an apology for its alleged tolerance of antisemitism.

Sweeping Demands Met with Resistance from Harvard

The federal government’s demands were extensive, requiring reforms across ten key areas. These include ensuring political viewpoint diversity within departments, hiring external auditors to review antisemitism-related issues, and implementing regular plagiarism checks for faculty members. The government also called for federal reporting on students who may be “hostile to American values.”

Trump has pointed to the safety of Jewish students as a central issue, particularly during anti-war protests linked to the Gaza conflict and U.S. policies regarding Israel. He has called for disciplinary action against those involved in these protests.

However, Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the administration’s proposals. He emphasized that Harvard would not yield its academic autonomy or constitutional rights. Garber argued that many of the administration’s demands were an attempt to exert direct control over the university’s academic environment.

In response to Harvard’s defiance, the Department of Education announced it was freezing $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts for the institution, accusing Harvard of fostering an “entitlement mindset” and failing to protect Jewish students from harassment.

Political Tensions Rise as Universities Push Back

The growing political tension between Harvard and the Trump administration has sparked a broader debate about free expression on college campuses. David Armitage, a history professor at Harvard, condemned the administration’s actions, calling them retaliatory and unjustified. He argued that the government’s measures were designed to suppress free speech. As the wealthiest university in the U.S., Harvard has the financial resources to stand its ground, Armitage noted.

In March, the administration initiated a review of over $256 million in federal contracts and $8.7 billion in long-term grants to Harvard. In response, Harvard faculty members filed a lawsuit, accusing the government of violating academic freedom and free speech rights.

Harvard, with its $53 billion endowment, is not the only elite university facing such scrutiny. Columbia University, another prestigious institution, recently complied with similar federal demands after losing $400 million in funding. The move triggered backlash from students and faculty, who criticized the government’s overreach into academic affairs.

Public Trust in Higher Education Declines

Polling conducted last summer revealed a significant decline in public trust in higher education, particularly among Republican voters. Many Americans feel that universities have become increasingly politicized and have strayed from their core mission of promoting neutral academic values.

In a related incident, immigration lawyer reports the detention of Mohsen Mahdawi, a green card holder and pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia University. Mahdawi was arrested during a citizenship interview and is one of several students detained following similar campus protests.

Harvard, like other elite universities, now finds itself at the center of a larger debate over the role of higher education in American society. With political tensions mounting, the outcome of this clash between the Trump administration and academic institutions could have long-lasting implications for the future of campus freedom and federal support for universities.