Trump Threatens Harvard with Tax Classification as Political Organization

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued a warning to Harvard University regarding the potential revocation of its tax-exempt status, suggesting it be classified as a political organization. In a post on his social media platform, Trump expressed that Harvard may need to be taxed as a political entity if it continues to promote what he referred to as a 'political, ideological, and terrorist-influenced illness.' He argued that tax exemptions should only apply to institutions acting in the public interest.

Trump's comments follow a letter from Harvard's President, Alan Garber, who criticized the U.S. government's actions against universities, particularly those that support diversity initiatives. Garber contended that the administration's demands, which include the closure of diversity offices and cooperation with immigration enforcement, would undermine the independence and constitutional rights of educational institutions.

In response to Garber's letter, the U.S. Department of Education announced plans to revoke federal funding amounting to $2.2 billion for Harvard. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump is also demanding an apology from the university.

Additionally, the NAACP, a civil rights organization, has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education to prevent the withdrawal of funds from universities that maintain diversity programs, arguing that such measures would restrict educational opportunities for African Americans. The Department of Education has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

Since taking office, Trump's domestic agenda has been characterized by a cultural battle, often targeting minority groups and what he labels as 'wokeness.' His administration has issued executive orders aimed at reshaping historical narratives in U.S. museums and seeking to eliminate the Department of Education. He has threatened to cut funding to universities that promote diversity or fail to adequately address anti-Israel protests and anti-Semitism.

While U.S. universities are experiencing a decline in international applications, Canadian institutions, such as the University of British Columbia, have reported a significant increase in applications from U.S. citizens, rising by 27% compared to the previous year. University officials attribute this trend to the current U.S. educational policies and the recent tightening of visa regulations for international students, as well as the establishment of a center to monitor the social media accounts of foreign students.