Trump University Tax-exempt Status
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Trump floats tax-exempt crackdown on universities
President Donald Trump recently announced that his administration might target the tax-exempt status of more universities. He pointed to cases where antisemitism appears to be out of control. During an interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show, Trump said the White House is considering a broader review, especially after targeting Harvard University.
The Harvard Conflict | Trump Tax-Exempt Review
Trump’s comments came after the White House declared that it would revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status. This decision followed weeks of tension between the administration and the university. Trump criticized Harvard, claiming that its faculty is overwhelmingly left-leaning. He also disapproved of hiring former mayors Lori Lightfoot and Bill de Blasio, suggesting that Rudy Giuliani would have been a better choice.

The administration has begun investigating roughly $9 billion in federal grants given to Harvard. Officials cited potential violations of the Civil Rights Act and raised questions about the university’s international student policies. Despite the threat, experts believe that Harvard would likely challenge the decision in court and might succeed.
Widening the Scope
Trump hinted that the tax-exempt review might not stop with Harvard. He aims to scrutinize universities that he believes are insufficiently conservative or too supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. In April, he signed an executive order that threatened to cut federal funding for universities not following new funding disclosure rules.

Legal and Political Repercussions
Legal experts say that for the IRS to take away a university’s tax-exempt status, there must be clear proof of violations. On the other hand, Democrats have voiced concerns about the administration potentially pressuring the IRS illegally. | Trump University Tax-exempt Status
Public Reaction
The proposal sparked mixed reactions. Supporters welcomed the crackdown on perceived liberal bias, while critics warned against political interference in education. As the story unfolds, universities and legal analysts are watching the administration’s actions closely. POLITICO article on Trump’s tax-exempt proposal
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