During a recent chat with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, President Trump indicated that universities facing anti-Semitism should lose their tax-exempt status.
Hewitt asked during “The Hugh Hewitt Show,” “Are you going to extend this to all universities where anti-Semitism becomes out of control?”
Trump responded affirmatively, stating, “I think so, yes.”
He specifically targeted Harvard, suggesting it should forfeit its exemption status, asserting, “It’s worthy of them.”
Harvard, which is currently suing the Trump administration over cuts to federal funding, has described the tax threat as “very illegal.” Legal experts have noted that the president cannot initiate an IRS audit or disclose whether specific organizations are under audit.
“We’re going to identify areas where this happens. Sometimes it’s blatant, and at other times it’s less visible,” Trump remarked about anti-Semitism on campuses.
He pointed out, “It was very obvious at Harvard; you’re witnessing it, and it’s totally anti-Semitic,” while also criticizing Ivy League institutions for recent figures that show only 3% of faculty members identify as conservative.
The Trump administration previously cut billions in federal funding to Harvard after turning down requests for reforms related to various academic and management policies, including diversity and inclusion initiatives.
