Washington, D.C. – On April 17, 2025, former President Donald J. Trump took to X to demand that Harvard University lose its tax-exempt status, accusing the institution of promoting “political, ideological, and terrorism-inspired ‘Sickness.’” In a fiery post, Trump argued that Harvard should be taxed as a political entity if it continues such activities, emphasizing that tax-exempt status hinges on serving the public interest. “REMEMBER, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST!” he wrote.
The statement aligns with recent actions by the Trump administration, which has targeted elite universities perceived as liberal strongholds. Just days ago, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem canceled $2.7 million in federal grants to Harvard, citing the university’s alleged promotion of “anti-Semitism” and “extreme ideology.” Trump also froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to the Ivy League school, escalating tensions in what many see as a broader crackdown on academia.
However, Trump’s post quickly drew sharp criticism and mockery. A user,
@acnewstics, responded with a biting image that read, “The man who ran a FAKE university wants to lecture HARVARD. The irony is wearing a MAGA hat.” The jab references Trump University, a for-profit education venture Trump launched in 2004. The program, which promised to teach real estate success, faced lawsuits for fraud and settled for $25 million in 2016, despite Trump denying wrongdoing. The scandal has long been a point of contention, often wielded by critics to question Trump’s credibility on educational matters.
Harvard has yet to formally respond to Trump’s latest salvo, but the university is reportedly preparing to challenge the grant cancellations legally, citing violations of academic freedom. The administration’s moves have sparked heated debate on X, with some users supporting Trump’s stance, arguing that Harvard’s campus culture has veered too far left. Others, however, see the attacks as a politically motivated assault on higher education, with one user posting, “This is about control, not principles.”
The controversy underscores a growing divide between the Trump administration and America’s academic institutions. Noem’s recent demand for Harvard to report on alleged illegal activities by foreign students—under threat of losing international student enrollment privileges—further signals a hardline approach. As the battle unfolds, questions loom over whether Harvard will bend to federal pressure or fight back, potentially setting a precedent for the future of university funding in the U.S.
