Washington/Boston: In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves across the U.S. academic community, former U.S. President and 2025 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has announced his intention to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status. Labeling the prestigious institution as a promoter of “woke ideology,” Trump stated that Harvard no longer deserves the financial privileges it has long enjoyed under federal law.
The decision follows Harvard’s refusal to comply with demands from Trump’s team to dismantle its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, ensure “viewpoint diversity,” and provide more transparency in international student data sharing.
Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared, “Harvard has become a breeding ground for anti-American, anti-Israel sentiment. For decades, they enjoyed tax breaks—now they must face consequences. They deserve this.” Trump also criticized the university for failing to curb anti-Israel protests on campus and for being out of touch with American values.
Harvard University President Alan M. Garber strongly condemned Trump’s announcement, calling it “an unprecedented attack on academic freedom and constitutional values.” The university has announced plans to challenge the decision in court. “This is not just an assault on Harvard—it’s an assault on all of American higher education,” Garber said in an official statement.
Most U.S. universities operate as non-profit organizations, giving them exemption from various taxes including income and property taxes. If Trump’s move succeeds, Harvard could face billions in tax liabilities—potentially impacting scholarships, research funding, and community programs.
According to legal analysts, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the only body with authority to alter or revoke tax-exempt status. A sitting or former president cannot unilaterally order such action. Many see Trump’s move as a political stunt that sets a dangerous precedent.
Trump’s move has drawn strong criticism from educators, civil rights advocates, and university leaders across the U.S. Several institutions have voiced solidarity with Harvard, warning that using tax policy as a political weapon could undermine academic independence.
Conclusion:
Donald Trump’s bold attack on Harvard marks an escalation in the cultural and political battles playing out in American academia. With legal action underway and widespread condemnation from educational institutions, this confrontation is likely to shape the national discourse on freedom of speech, political influence, and the future of higher education in America.
