Trump Slams Harvard as “JOKE”: Seeks to End Federal Funding, Tax Benefits

On April 16, 2025, the Trump administration escalated its feud with Harvard University, one of America’s most prestigious institutions, by requesting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status. Sources within the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed to Fox News that the administration views Harvard’s alleged failure to address antisemitism on campus as grounds for stripping its 501(c)(3) designation. This unprecedented move, coupled with a broader push to cut federal funding, marks a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s ongoing criticism of the Ivy League school, which he has branded a “JOKE” that “teaches Hate and Stupidity.”

The administration’s request follows weeks of public attacks by Trump, who has repeatedly taken to social media to lambast Harvard’s leadership, faculty, and campus culture. In a recent post, he wrote, “Harvard has been hiring almost all woke, Radical Left, idiots and ‘birdbrains’ who are only capable of teaching FAILURE to students and so-called ‘future leaders.’” He pointed to the university’s former president, Claudine Gay, who resigned in early 2024 amid plagiarism allegations and criticism over her handling of antisemitism on campus. “Look just to the recent past at their plagiarizing President, who so greatly embarrassed Harvard before the United States Congress,” Trump continued. “Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.”

The IRS is expected to decide soon on Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a decision that could have profound financial implications for the university, which relies on its nonprofit status to receive tax-deductible donations and other benefits. CNN, which first reported the story, noted that the process is underway, though no specific timeline was provided. Losing tax-exempt status would not only disrupt Harvard’s funding model but also send a seismic signal to other universities navigating similar controversies.

The administration’s actions come on the heels of a broader offensive against Harvard. Less than three weeks ago, the Department of Justice announced a “comprehensive review” of federal contracts and government-funded grants tied to the university. The Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, stated that over $255.6 million in contracts and nearly $9 billion in grants would be scrutinized. McMahon framed the review as part of an effort to combat antisemitism on college campuses, echoing a similar probe launched against Columbia University. “Harvard has served as a symbol of the American Dream for generations,” McMahon said. “Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination—all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry—has put its reputation in serious jeopardy.”

The focus on antisemitism stems from a series of high-profile incidents at Harvard, including protests and campus events that critics, including the Trump administration, argue have fostered an environment hostile to Jewish students. The resignation of Claudine Gay, Harvard’s first Black president, was a flashpoint. During a December 2023 congressional hearing, Gay faced intense scrutiny for her response to questions about whether calls for the genocide of Jews violated Harvard’s code of conduct. Her nuanced answer—that such calls depended on “context”—drew widespread condemnation, including from Representative Elise Stefanik, who called it a “complete moral failure.” Gay’s subsequent exit, compounded by plagiarism allegations, fueled accusations that Harvard’s leadership prioritized ideological agendas over student safety and academic integrity.

Trump has seized on these controversies to paint Harvard as a symbol of broader cultural and educational decline. “Many others, like these Leftist dopes, are teaching at Harvard, and because of that, Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning,” he wrote in his social media tirade. He argued that the university’s faculty and policies promote “divisive ideologies” and fail to prepare students for leadership, a charge that aligns with his administration’s broader critique of “woke” academia. The push to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and cut federal funding is presented as a corrective measure to restore accountability and realign higher education with what Trump calls “American values.”

Critics, however, see the administration’s actions as politically motivated overreach. Harvard, with its $50 billion endowment and global reputation, is a high-profile target in the culture wars, and some argue that Trump is using the antisemitism issue to score points with his base while deflecting from other policy challenges. A recent 60 Minutes investigation highlighted concerns about the administration’s broader approach to higher education, noting that similar reviews of federal funding at other universities have raised questions about fairness and due process. Harvard’s defenders point out that the university has taken steps to address antisemitism, including revising its code of conduct and increasing security for Jewish student groups. They argue that revoking tax-exempt status would disproportionately harm students and faculty, not administrators.

The financial stakes are significant. Harvard’s 501(c)(3) status allows it to receive tax-deductible donations, which form a critical part of its revenue stream. Losing this status could deter donors and strain the university’s budget, potentially affecting scholarships, research, and campus operations. The review of $9 billion in federal grants—funding that supports everything from scientific research to student aid—adds further pressure. While Harvard’s endowment provides a buffer, the loss of federal support and tax benefits could force the university to make difficult budgetary choices, potentially reshaping its role as a global academic leader.

The administration’s campaign against Harvard has also sparked debate about the role of government in policing higher education. Supporters of Trump’s approach argue that universities receiving public funds should be held accountable for fostering safe and inclusive environments. They point to incidents of antisemitic harassment at Harvard and other campuses as evidence of a broader failure to protect students. Critics, however, warn that targeting specific institutions risks undermining academic freedom and sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach. “This is less about antisemitism and more about settling political scores,” said one Harvard faculty member, speaking anonymously to CNN. “The administration is weaponizing a serious issue to attack institutions it dislikes.”

Public reaction has been polarized. Social media posts from the White House amplifying Trump’s comments have garnered thousands of likes and shares, with supporters praising the administration for taking a stand against “woke academia.” Conversely, alumni and student groups have rallied in Harvard’s defense, launching petitions and organizing protests to oppose what they call an “attack on higher education.” The controversy has even drawn international attention, with commentators questioning whether the U.S. is entering a new era of government intervention in academia.

As the IRS deliberates, Harvard faces an uncertain future. The university has yet to issue a formal response to the administration’s latest move, though sources indicate it is preparing a legal defense to protect its tax-exempt status. Meanwhile, Trump shows no signs of relenting. His recent announcement to remove a historic magnolia tree at the White House—purportedly planted by Andrew Jackson—suggests a broader willingness to upend tradition, a mindset that extends to his approach to institutions like Harvard.

For now, the battle between the Trump administration and Harvard is a microcosm of deeper cultural and political divides. Whether the IRS revokes Harvard’s tax-exempt status or the university weathers the storm, the outcome will reverberate across higher education, shaping the relationship between government, academia, and the public for years to come. As Trump himself put it, “Harvard has lost its way.” Whether that claim holds weight—or is merely political rhetoric—remains a question only time will answer.