Fact Check: Trump Threatens to Revoke Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status Over Antisemitism Claims
What We Know
On May 2, 2025, former President Donald Trump made a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, threatening to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status. He stated, "We are going to be taking away Harvard's Tax Exempt Status. It's what they deserve!" This remark was part of an ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard regarding allegations that the university has not adequately protected Jewish students from antisemitism on campus (NPR).
Earlier, in April 2025, Trump had suggested that Harvard should be treated as a political entity if it continued to promote what he termed "political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting 'Sickness'" (NPR). The administration's claims included a list of demands that Harvard was expected to meet, or risk losing access to significant federal funding, estimated at around $9 billion (NPR). Harvard's president rejected these demands, arguing they were illegal and infringed on the university's autonomy (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that Trump threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status is substantiated by his own statements on social media and corroborated by multiple news outlets. Trump's comments reflect a broader strategy of using federal funding as leverage against institutions he perceives as not aligning with his administration's views on various issues, including antisemitism (NBC News).
However, the feasibility of revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status is complex. Historically, such actions have been rare and legally challenging. The IRS is generally prohibited from targeting specific organizations based on political motivations, which raises questions about the legality of Trump's threats (NPR). Legal experts have noted that any attempt to revoke tax-exempt status would likely face significant legal hurdles, as seen in past cases involving other universities (NPR).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, primarily coming from established news organizations like NPR and NBC News, which have a track record of reliable reporting. However, the political context surrounding Trump's statements may introduce a degree of bias, as his administration's actions often align with partisan interests.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status over antisemitism claims is True. Trump's explicit statements on this issue, combined with the context of his administration's actions against Harvard, confirm the accuracy of the claim. However, the practical implications of such a threat remain uncertain due to legal constraints and the historical precedent of tax-exempt status revocations.
