Trump Threatens Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status Amid Legal Battle

President Donald Trump has again threatened to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status, escalating a longstanding conflict over the university's alleged handling of antisemitism and ideological bias. Legal experts and former IRS officials note that a president cannot unilaterally strip a university of tax-exempt status, as such actions require a formal IRS examination, judicial review, and must adhere to established legal procedures. Critics argue that Trump's threats risk politicizing the IRS and may violate laws prohibiting the use of the agency to target political opponents. Harvard, which recently sued the Trump administration over the freezing of federal grants, has condemned these actions as attempts to dictate academic independence and stifle constitutional rights. The administration's moves have sparked widespread debate about the boundaries of executive power and the protection of nonprofit institutions. While Trump’s statements are the most explicit to date, experts emphasize that any revocation process would take years and face significant legal hurdles.