Trump Threatens Harvard’s Tax Perks After $2B Freeze

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the White House and elite academia, President Donald Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status following the administration’s decision to freeze over $2 billion in federal grants and contracts to the institution.

The move comes after Harvard declined to comply with a series of federal demands, including banning pro-Palestinian student groups, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and increasing cooperation with Homeland Security.

Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, rejected these demands, asserting they overstep federal authority and compromise academic independence.

The administration’s broader campaign has targeted universities across the U.S., accusing them of fostering Marxism and anti-American ideologies.

Columbia University, for instance, faced a $400 million cut in grants, prompting negotiations to tighten protest rules.

Former President Barack Obama criticized Trump’s actions as unlawful and undermining academic freedom, praising Harvard for standing up to the administration and calling on other universities to do the same.

Legal experts and academics argue these actions infringe on academic freedom and constitutional rights.

Some Columbia professors have sued under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and Harvard has received support from institutions like Princeton and Stanford, emphasizing the importance of intellectual liberty.

The fallout includes increased student interest in Canadian universities amid fears of reduced academic funding and limitations on free expression in the U.S.

As the administration continues its campaign against ideological influences in higher education, the conflict raises significant concerns about government overreach, free speech, and the independence of private educational institutions.

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