In a bold move that has sparked widespread controversy, Trump has intensified his campaign against Harvard University, accusing the institution of promoting “radical left indoctrination” and threatening its tax-exempt status. This development is part of a broader strategy to challenge elite universities perceived as fostering liberal ideologies.
On Wednesday, he ramped up his attack, saying it could “no longer be considered even a decent place of learning”.
And in another post he ranted:
“Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds,” Trump wrote in the lengthy post. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Harvard is the first university to stand up against a series of onerous demands from the Trump administration.
Now, Trump has reportedly instructed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to review Harvard’s tax-exempt status, citing concerns over the university’s alleged ‘political and ideological biases’. This action coincides with the freezing of over $2.3 billion in federal funds by the Department of Education, a move that has drawn criticism from academic circles and raised questions about the legality of using federal agencies for political purposes.
The administration’s demands extend beyond financial scrutiny. The Department of Homeland Security has called for records of international students accused of “illegal and violent activities,” threatening to revoke Harvard’s ability to host foreign students. These measures have been met with resistance from Harvard officials, who argue that such actions infringe upon academic freedom and constitutional rights.
Harvard President Alan Garber has publicly rejected the administration’s demands, emphasizing the university’s commitment to independence and legal rights. In response, prominent institutions like Stanford, Columbia, and Princeton, along with public figures including former President Barack Obama and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, have expressed strong support for Harvard, criticizing the administration’s actions as an attempt to undermine academic autonomy.
Legal experts warn that the president’s direct involvement in IRS investigations may violate federal laws designed to prevent political interference in tax matters.
This confrontation reflects a broader tension between the Trump administration and higher education institutions over issues of free expression, civil rights, and federal authority. As the situation unfolds, the academic community and legal observers continue to monitor the implications for university governance and the preservation of academic freedom in the United States.