President Trump threatened Harvard University’s tax status and halted federally funded research as the dispute between the university and the administration intensifies. Despite demands from the government, Harvard announced it would not comply, leading to a freeze of grant funding. Trump suggested Harvard could lose its tax-exempt status and be taxed as a political entity for pushing “political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting ‘Sickness.'” The university refused to surrender its independence, becoming the first to defy the administration’s demands.
The halt in funding has impacted research labs, including a project on ALS diagnosis. Harvard’s resistance has garnered support from Massachusetts officials and politicians like Senator Elizabeth Warren. Meanwhile, a New York Republican called for cutting off taxpayer funding to the institution. Following Harvard’s stance, Columbia University’s president also pushed back against the government’s pressures. The clash highlights the issue of academic freedom and government interference in research institutions.
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