The Trump administration has intensified its ongoing confrontation with Harvard University, threatening to block the admission of international students and calling for the prestigious Ivy League institution’s tax-exempt status to be revoked.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, President Donald Trump said, “I think Harvard’s a disgrace,” accusing the university of promoting activism on campus and failing to address issues of antisemitism and diversity in a manner that aligns with federal expectations.
The clash represents a significant escalation in the White House’s broader crackdown on elite institutions, civil society groups, and advocacy organizations. Harvard, one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential universities, may face the dual blow of losing its ability to enroll a global student population and being stripped of the generous tax breaks it currently enjoys. The university draws around 27% of its students from overseas and relies heavily on large, tax-deductible gifts from donors.
Federal officials have already frozen more than $2 billion in grants and contracts awarded to Harvard, raising concerns about the implications for ongoing research and academic programs.
In a parallel development, the administration has signaled similar scrutiny for environmental groups and government watchdog organizations such as Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). Trump’s comments suggest a coordinated effort to challenge institutions seen as critical of his administration or resistant to its policy agenda.
This approach comes amid broader discussions within the Trump administration about redefining the role of higher education, immigration policy, and civil liberties. With potential legal battles looming and international student enrollment hanging in the balance, Harvard’s standoff with the federal government could have far-reaching implications for U.S. academia and global perceptions of American higher education.