Thu Apr 17 05:09:39 UTC 2025: ## Trump Threatens Harvard with Funding Cuts and Tax Revocation

**Washington, D.C. –** President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Harvard University on Wednesday, threatening to cut its federal funding, revoke its tax-exempt status, and ban foreign students from attending unless it submits to sweeping government oversight. The move is part of a broader campaign against what the administration calls left-leaning universities.

Trump accused Harvard of teaching “hate and stupidity,” and declared it should be removed from any list of world-class universities. He ordered the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal funding for the university’s research programs, primarily in the medical field. The White House also confirmed that the IRS is considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status following a request from the President, although the White House Deputy Press Secretary clarified that any action would be independent of the President’s directive. The Department of Homeland Security further threatened to bar foreign students—who constitute 27.2% of Harvard’s enrollment—if the university fails to meet unspecified reporting requirements.

Harvard President Alan Garber firmly rejected the administration’s demands, stating that the university will not compromise its independence or constitutional rights. The administration’s demands encompass extensive control over admissions, hiring practices, campus governance, and even student and faculty viewpoints, including measures to audit for “viewpoint diversity” and crack down on campus protests. Specifically, the administration seeks to end race-conscious admissions and hiring, prevent the admission of students deemed “hostile to American values,” and reform programs accused of anti-Semitism or bias.

This action follows a similar, though less aggressive, campaign against other universities, such as Columbia University, which conceded to some administrative oversight following threats of funding cuts. The White House justifies its actions by citing concerns over anti-Semitism, stemming from protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, and complaints about diversity initiatives deemed overly liberal.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with figures such as Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr publicly supporting Harvard and denouncing the administration’s actions. The clash highlights a growing tension between the Trump administration and academia over issues of political affiliation, academic freedom, and government control of higher education.

Read More