President Donald Trump recently threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status and freeze over $2 billion in federal funding for the prestigious Ivy League school. Trump’s social media post criticized Harvard for promoting what he deemed as “political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting ‘Sickness.'” While the president lacks the unilateral authority to revoke tax-exempt status, a bill introduced in Congress aims to grant this power.

Harvard’s leaders stood firm in their response to the Trump administration’s demands, refusing to comply with measures such as a mask ban and removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Emphasizing the university’s independence and constitutional rights, Harvard’s lawyers asserted that neither Harvard nor any private university should allow itself to be taken over by the federal government.

In contrast to Harvard’s stance, Columbia University, another Ivy League institution, largely complied with similar orders from the administration, leading to the ousting of its president. Subsequently, the Justice Department’s Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced a freeze on over $2.2 billion in grants and contracts to Harvard, citing a rise in antisemitism on campus following pro-Palestinian protests.

Amid these developments, Harvard professors filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s review of $9 billion in contracts and awards to the university. The escalating battle between the White House and Harvard underscores broader tensions between academia and government authority, with significant implications for the future relationship between universities and federal oversight.