Trump vs. Harvard: Tax-Exempt Status Under Fire
Former President Donald Trump is escalating tensions with Harvard University, threatening to challenge its tax-exempt status in response to what he claims is the school’s failure to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Tax Threat Over Immigration Policies
At a campaign stop Monday, Trump accused Harvard of shielding undocumented immigrants and undermining national security. His criticism comes amid renewed attention to immigration, a topic expected to play a central role in the 2024 campaign trail.
Trump told supporters:
“Harvard is harboring illegal immigrants… They should lose their tax-exempt status.”
This marks a return to familiar campaign territory for Trump, who previously targeted liberal academic institutions for similar reasons during his presidency.
What Trump Is Demanding
The former president is urging federal agencies to investigate:
- Whether Harvard is obstructing immigration enforcement
- If the university’s policies violate any federal laws tied to tax-exemption
- Whether other institutions are also “abusing” their nonprofit status
Harvard Hasn’t Responded Publicly—Yet
So far, Harvard hasn’t issued a formal response to Trump’s claims. The university’s tax-exempt status comes from its status as a nonprofit educational institution, but the IRS could technically review such status if there’s evidence of federal law violations.
Legal experts say the challenge would be complex, likely involving court battles over First Amendment rights and definitions of political activity.
Campaign Season Heats Up
Trump’s comments were also paired with calls for broader tariffs on Chinese goods and renewed attacks on Biden’s immigration approach. As election season builds, immigration—and now higher education—are back in the spotlight.
Bottom Line
Trump’s remarks signal a campaign strategy of confrontation, especially toward elite institutions. Whether this turns into legal action—or just political theater—remains to be seen.
More…
- https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-news-tariffs-immigration-04-15-25#cm9iikbkx00003b6paecyy2rs
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/us/politics/trump-harvard-tax-status.html
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/15/trump-threatens-harvard-university-tax-exempt-status/83097386007/
- https://www.overherehouston.com/elon-musk-statue-in-texas-vandalized-and-covered/
